LONDON, ENGLAND – A remarkable discovery made by a father and daughter duo along the beach in England has unveiled a massive ancient marine reptile that may have been one of the largest creatures to ever roam the Earth. The fossilized bone, identified as a surangular belonging to an ichthyosaur, was estimated by researchers to measure between 22 and 26 meters in length, earning it the title of possibly the largest known marine reptile in history.
This newly identified creature, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, is believed to have roamed the oceans during the Triassic Period, alongside the dinosaurs that dominated the land. Marine reptiles like the ichthyosaurs, including the Ichthyotitan, were known for feeding on fish and other sea creatures before disappearing from the Earth around 90 million years ago.
The discovery of the ichthyosaur bone was credited to 11-year-old Ruby Reynolds and her father, Justin Reynolds, who stumbled upon the fossil during a beach walk. Their find led to further excavation, with experts revealing that the creature belonged to the shastasauridae family of giant ichthyosaurs, which lived around 13 million years later than other ichthyosaurs before facing extinction about 201 million years ago.
Researchers, including lead writer Dean Lomax, were astounded by the significance of the discovery, drawing comparisons to legendary fossil hunter Mary Anning. Lomax expressed his excitement over the find, stating how incredible it was to imagine whale-sized ichthyosaurs swimming in the ancient seas while dinosaurs roamed the land.
For Ruby and Justin Reynolds, the experience of uncovering such a significant fossil and being part of the scientific naming process for a new genus and species was both exciting and fulfilling. The family’s pivotal role in the discovery has not only shed light on the prehistoric marine world but has also sparked a sense of curiosity and wonder among the scientific community.
The study’s co-writer, Jimmy Waldron, reflected on the humbling nature of such discoveries, emphasizing the awe-inspiring moments that remind humanity of its place in the vast history of the Earth. Despite the limited remains of Ichthyotitan severnensis, experts have been able to infer the creature’s appearance based on its family members, offering a glimpse into the ancient world of giant marine reptiles and the mysteries they hold.