Research has shown that it was a fossil of the endangered sea creature Ichthyosaur.
UK, First Published Jan 10, 2022, 3:12 PM IST
Huge fossils were obtained in February 2021 from the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, England’s largest reservoir. During landscaping work, Joe Davis of the Ruthland Wildlife Trust saw something unusual lying in the mud. Joe initially thought it was a dinosaur. But it was not a dinosaur. Anyway he called the county council and told them the information.
Research has shown that it was a fossil of the endangered sea creature Ichthyosaur. They are thought to have lived about 180 million years ago. The length was 10 meters. Fossils of ectosaurs have already been found. But researchers say it is the largest ever found in the UK.
Ichthyosaurs were warm-blooded creatures unlike dolphins. They can grow up to 25 m in length. They lived between 250 million and 90 million years ago. This is one of the greatest discoveries in the history of British fossil studies. Dean Lomax talks about this finding.
Last Updated Jan 10, 2022, 3:12 PM IST
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