Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant discovery was made by the father-daughter team at Blue Anchor Beach?
What significant discovery was made by the father-daughter team at Blue Anchor Beach?
- A new species of fish
- An ancient human artifact
- A new type of dinosaur
- A new species of marine reptile (correct)
How long would the reconstructed lower jaw of the new ichthyosaur specimen measure if complete?
How long would the reconstructed lower jaw of the new ichthyosaur specimen measure if complete?
- Over eight feet
- Over six feet (correct)
- Over four feet
- Over ten feet
What does the name Ichthyotitan severnensis refer to in English?
What does the name Ichthyotitan severnensis refer to in English?
- Massive marine predator of the Severn
- Great ocean beast of the Severn
- Large sea dragon of the Severn
- Giant fish lizard of the Severn (correct)
Which periods did ichthyosaurs predominantly inhabit?
Which periods did ichthyosaurs predominantly inhabit?
What initially led Justin Reynolds to believe the bones were from an ichthyosaur?
What initially led Justin Reynolds to believe the bones were from an ichthyosaur?
What percentage of fossil inquiries typically turn out to be rocks, according to Dr. Lomax?
What percentage of fossil inquiries typically turn out to be rocks, according to Dr. Lomax?
How long is the estimated length of the new ichthyosaur species?
How long is the estimated length of the new ichthyosaur species?
Who confirmed Justin's guess that the fossils belonged to an ichthyosaur?
Who confirmed Justin's guess that the fossils belonged to an ichthyosaur?
Flashcards
Ichthyosaurs
Ichthyosaurs
A group of marine reptiles that dominated the oceans during the Triassic and Jurassic periods (251 to 145 million years ago). They are often referred to as "fish-lizards" and resembled dolphins and whales in appearance but were, in fact, reptiles.
Ichthyotitan severnensis
Ichthyotitan severnensis
A new species of ichthyosaur discovered by a father-daughter team who found fossilized bones on a beach in Somerset, England.
Blue Anchor Beach, Somerset, England
Blue Anchor Beach, Somerset, England
The region where Ruby and Justin Reynolds made their fossil discovery. It is known for its abundance of Triassic-era fossils, including fish and reptile remains.
Fossil Analysis
Fossil Analysis
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80 feet (24 meters) long
80 feet (24 meters) long
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Triassic and Jurassic Periods
Triassic and Jurassic Periods
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PLOS One
PLOS One
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Ruby Reynolds
Ruby Reynolds
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Study Notes
Ichthyosaur Discovery
- A new species of massive ichthyosaur, Ichthyotitan severnensis, was discovered.
- The marine reptiles lived during the Triassic and Jurassic periods (251 to 145 million years ago).
- They resembled dolphins and whales but were reptiles.
Discovery Timeline
- Spring 2020: Justin Reynolds and his daughter Ruby found a small ichthyosaur fossil on Blue Anchor Beach in Somerset, England.
- The region is known for Triassic-era fossils.
- Additional fossil fragments were found leading to the discovery of a significant portion of the lower jaw.
- October 2022: Enough remains were gathered to reconstruct a portion of the lower jaw.
- Analysis showed the complete jaw would measure over 6 feet (1.8 m) long.
- Estimated total length of the complete creature: 80 feet (24 m)
- April 17, 2024: Research was published in PLOS One, with Ruby and Justin Reynolds listed as co-authors.
Scientific Significance
- Ichthyotitan severnensis is one of the largest marine animals ever discovered.
- The fossil discovery, and a similar one in 2016, enabled scientists to classify it as a new species.
- The discovery showcased significant paleontological contributions of amateur paleontologists.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the recent discovery of the massive ichthyosaur Ichthyotitan severnensis. This quiz covers the timeline of the discovery, its significance in paleontology, and details about this ancient marine reptile. Dive into the fascinating world of Triassic and Jurassic period marine life!
