Deep within the fossil archives, an astonishing revelation has emerged from England: the discovery of bone fragments, dating back 202 million years, reveals the existence of a new species of ichthyosaurs, the giants of the Triassic marine world. These marine reptiles, among the most massive ever identified, dominated the oceans during the dinosaur era.
A team of British researchers, dedicated for eight years to the meticulous exploration of two enormous fossilized jaws, today reveals the identity of these remains: the Ichthyotitan severnensis. Measuring up to 82 feet (about 25 meters) long, this species tops the hierarchy of marine reptiles, even surpassing the imposing size of the contemporary blue whale.
The jaws, discovered separately by fossil collectors, were reconstructed piece by piece. The researchers, led by paleontologist Dean R. Lomax from the University of Bristol, realized the magnitude of their find when assembling these giant bones, called surangulars. Comparisons with other specimens confirm the exceptional size of the Ichthyotitan severnensis.
The story of this discovery unfolds over the years, with fossilized fragments collected along the coasts of Somerset, gradually revealing the incredible size of these ancient creatures. Although the researchers estimate the length from the fragments available, the analysis suggests that the animal was still growing at the time of its death, hinting at the possibility of even more impressive dimensions.
Despite their dominance in the Triassic oceans, the giant ichthyosaurs met an abrupt end during the Triassic-Jurassic extinction, about 200 million years ago. This discovery brings to light the evolution and diversity of prehistoric marine creatures, offering a fascinating glimpse into underwater life during this tumultuous period in Earth's history. The details of this groundbreaking discovery are published in
PLOS One.
Article Author: Cédric DEPOND