Braunton, England – A remarkable discovery on a beach in Somerset has unveiled a newfound species of an ancient marine reptile, likely the largest to have ever roamed Earth’s oceans. This massive jawbone, believed to belong to an ichthyosaur, was found by a father-daughter duo, Justin and Ruby Reynolds, during a fossil-collecting excursion in May 2020. The jawbone, measuring over 6.5 feet, suggests that the creature, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, could have reached a length of more than 82 feet, rivaling the blue whale in size.
Experts, including paleontologist Dr. Dean Lomax and fossil collector Paul de la Salle, were brought in to study the jawbone further. Their investigations led to the conclusion that this species of ichthyosaur may have been among the largest marine reptiles, shaping the ocean ecosystem during the Rhaetian period at the end of the Triassic Period.
The discovery holds significant value in shedding light on the evolutionary history of prehistoric giants and their role in ancient ocean ecosystems. It is highlighted in a new report published in the journal PLOS One by Marcello Perillo, a graduate student of evolutionary paleobiology at the University of Bonn.
Further analysis of the jawbone revealed intriguing details about the growth pattern of the ichthyosaur, indicating that the reptile may have still been growing at the time of its death. This suggests that an adult severnensis could have potentially exceeded the size of a blue whale, adding to the mystery and fascination surrounding these ancient creatures.
The collaborative effort of the Reynolds family, Lomax, de la Salle, and other researchers led to the successful reassembly of the jawbone by October 2022, offering valuable insights into the anatomy and evolutionary history of severnensis. The quest for additional evidence continues, with hopes of uncovering a complete skull or skeleton to further enhance our understanding of these ancient marine reptiles.
Overall, the discovery of this giant ichthyosaur adds a significant milestone to the study of marine reptiles, providing crucial insights into their evolutionary significance and ecological impact. The fossil will soon be showcased at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, marking a memorable contribution to the field of paleontology by the Reynolds family and their collaborators.