Archaeology breakthrough as biggest-ever dinosaur fossil found in UK ‘truly unprecedented’
THE biggest-ever dinosaur fossil to be found in Britain has been discovered in Rutland.
The 33ft (10m) long ichthyosaur skeleton is around 180 million years old and is thought to be the largest UK example of a predator which roamed the seas when dinosaurs were around. And The block containing the 6ft (2m) skull and surrounding clay weighed a tonne alone. Dubbed “sea dragons”, the reptiles were similar in shape to dolphins but varied in size from 3 – 82ft (1 – 25m). It was discovered at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
Not only is this the biggest dinosaur fossil ever found in Britain, but it is also the most complete skeleton of its kind found in the UK.
It is also believed to be the first ichthyosaur of its specific species (Temnodontosaurus trigonodon) found on British soil.
“Now, once again, Rutland Water is a haven for wetland wildlife albeit on a smaller scale.”
The head of the excavation team was palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax.
He has studied thousands of ichthyosaurs over his career.
He said: “It was an honour to lead the excavation.
“Britain is the birthplace of ichthyosaurs – their fossils have been unearthed here for over 200 years.
“Despite the many ichthyosaur fossils found in Britain, it is remarkable to think the Rutland ichthyosaur is the largest skeleton ever found in the UK.
“It is a truly unprecedented discovery and one of the greatest finds in British palaeontological history.”
Now, palaeontologists will continue to carry out research and work on the conservation of the discovery.
Academic papers are due to be published in the future.
The remains were fully excavated earlier this year and will feature on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain, which will air on Tuesday.
Ichthyosaurs first appeared around 250 million years ago and went extinct 90 million years ago.
Source: express.co.uk
Well preserved pre-Incan mummy found in underground burial chamber
Well preserved pre-Incan mummy found in underground burial chamber
Archaeology breakthrough as biggest-ever dinosaur fossil found in UK ‘truly unprecedented’