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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for the identification of the new ichthyosaur species?
Which period did ichthyosaurs primarily thrive in?
What was the size of the first fossil discovered by Justin and Ruby?
Who confirmed the identity of the fossils as belonging to an ichthyosaur?
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What is a notable characteristic of ichthyosaurs?
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What is significant about the fossil remains of Ichthyotitan severnensis?
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How was the size of Ichthyotitan severnensis estimated?
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What does the name Ichthyotitan severnensis signify?
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Who is acknowledged as a co-author in the publication of the research on Ichthyotitan severnensis?
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What aspect of science did Ruby emphasize in her statement regarding fossil hunting?
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Study Notes
Ichthyosaur Discovery
- A father-daughter team, Justin and Ruby Reynolds, discovered fossils of a new species of ichthyosaur on Blue Anchor Beach in Somerset, England.
- The discovery was made in 2020, with the first find being a four-inch oval fossil followed by a larger bone.
- Justin, who is an amateur paleontologist, believed the fossils belonged to an ichthyosaur, and contacted Dr. Dean Lomax, a marine reptile expert at the University of Manchester, for confirmation.
- Dr. Lomax confirmed the fossils were indeed from an ichthyosaur, highlighting the rarity of such finds, as most reported fossils end up being ordinary rocks.
Ichthyotitan Severnensis
- The discovered ichthyosaur species was named Ichthyotitan severnensis, meaning "giant fish lizard of the Severn."
- The fossil remains, including a section of the lower jaw, suggest a complete jaw length of over six feet.
- Estimated size of the Ichthyotitan severnensis is a staggering 80 feet, about two buses parked end to end.
- The classification of the new species was based on the discovered remains as well as another ichthyosaur fossil found in 2016.
- The research was published in the journal PLOS One on April 17, 2024, with Ruby and Justin listed as co-authors.
- Ruby Reynolds, who was 11 years old at the time of the discovery, is now 15, and continues to be passionate about paleontology, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the exploration process in science.
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Description
Explore the remarkable discovery of a new ichthyosaur species, Ichthyotitan severnensis, found by Justin and Ruby Reynolds in Somerset, England. Learn about the significance of this finding and the experts involved in confirming its authenticity. This quiz delves into the details of paleontology and marine reptiles.
