প্রকাশ: 10/01/2022
Scientists have hailed one of the "greatest finds"
in British paleontological history after the largest fossilised remains of a
prehistoric "sea dragon" were discovered in the Midlands.
The ichthyosaur, approximately 180 million years old with a
skeleton measuring around 10 metres in length and a skull weighing
approximately one ton, is the largest and most complete fossil of its kind ever
found in the UK.
It was discovered by Joe Davis of Leicestershire and Rutland
Wildlife Trust during a routine draining of a lagoon island at Rutland Water in
February 2021.
The first ichthyosaurs, which are called sea dragons because
they tend to have very large teeth and eyes, were discovered by fossil hunter
and paleontologist Mary Anning in the early 19th century.
Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist who has studied the
species, said: "Despite the many ichthyosaur fossils found in Britain, it
is remarkable to think that the Rutland ichthyosaur is the largest skeleton
ever found in the UK.
"It is a truly unprecedented discovery and one of the
greatest finds in British paleontological history."
Ichthyosaurs, which were marine reptiles, first appeared
around 250 million years ago and went extinct 90 million years ago, varying in
size from one to more than 25 metres in length and resembling dolphins in
general body shape.
The remains were dug out by a team of expert
paleontologists from around the UK in August and September.
Two incomplete and much smaller ichthyosaurs were found
during the initial construction of Rutland Water in the 1970s. However, the
latest discovery is the first complete skeleton.
Dr. Mark Evans of the British Antarctic Survey said:
"I've been studying the Jurassic fossil reptiles of Rutland and
Leicestershire for over 20 years.
"When I first saw the initial exposure of the specimen
with Joe Davis, I could tell that it was the largest ichthyosaur known from
either county.
"However, it was only after our exploratory dig that we
realised that it was practically complete to the tip of the tail."
He added: "It's a highly significant discovery both
nationally and internationally but also of huge importance to the people of
Rutland and the surrounding area."
Nigel Larkin, a specialist paleontological conservator,
said: "It's not often you are responsible for safely lifting a very
important but very fragile fossil weighing that much.
"It is a responsibility, but I love a challenge. It was
a very complex operation to uncover, record, and collect this important
specimen safely."
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