Unknown Prehistoric 'Sea Dragon' Species Discovered By Fossil Hunter Near UK
The fossil of a mysterious marine reptile from 150 years ago has been discovered by scientists. It apparently belongs to a previously undiscovered species.
The fossil of a mysterious marine reptile from 150 years ago has been discovered by scientists. It apparently belongs to a previously undiscovered species.
The well-preserved reptile was found in a Late Jurassic deep marine deposit along the English Channel coastline in Dorset, reported LadBible.
According to experts, the aquatic reptile was part of a group known as ichthyosaurs; They were reportedly streamlined marine predators from the Late Jurassic period.
The Etches Collection
Paleontologist Megan L. Jacobs, a Baylor University doctorial candidate in geosciences, said, "This ichthyosaur has several differences that makes it unique enough to be its own genus and species. New Late Jurassic ichthyosaurs in the United Kingdom are extremely rare, as these creatures have been studied for 200 years."
He added, "We knew it was new almost instantly, but it took about a year to make thorough comparisons with all other Late Jurassic ichthyosaurs to make certain our instincts were correct."
He also said, "It was very exciting to not be able to find a match."
Megan Jacobs/ David Martill
Jacobs gave the name, 'Thalassodraco etchesi' to the specimen. It means 'Etches sea dragon'.
Since being discovered, the specimen has been housed in The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life, in Kimmeridge, Dorset.
Study co-author David Martill, Ph.D., professor of paleontology at the University of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, said, "Now that the new sea dragon has been officially named, it's time to investigate its biology. There are a number of things that make this animal special."
Also read: Researchers Have Just Found A 13-Million-Year-Old Fossil Ape In J&K's Udhampur
LadBible
The creature is estimated to have been about eight feet long. It also appears to share some similarities with sperm wales with an 'extremely deep rib cage'.
