Discovery of the Largest Known Marine Reptile Uncovered Through Ancient Fossils

A father-daughter fossil-collecting duo made a remarkable discovery on a beach in Somerset, England, that has scientists buzzing with excitement. The massive jawbone they found belongs to a newfound species of ichthyosaur, a marine reptile that lived around 202 million years ago. This giant creature, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, measured more than 82 feet long, rivaling the size of a blue whale, the largest known animal on Earth.

The jawbone, which was over 6.5 feet long, was discovered by Justin and Ruby Reynolds in May 2020. Their find caught the attention of paleontologist Dr. Dean Lomax, who, along with fossil collector Paul de la Salle, studied a similar jawbone found in 2016. Together, they confirmed the existence of a new species of ichthyosaur and reassembled the jawbone by October 2022.

This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these giant marine reptiles and the ancient ocean ecosystems they inhabited. The researchers hope to find more pieces of the puzzle, such as a complete skull or skeleton, to further understand the size and characteristics of Ichthyotitan severnensis.

The journey of uncovering the secrets of these prehistoric creatures continues, with the Reynolds family, Lomax, and de la Salle leading the way. Their findings will be displayed at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing the significant contribution made by amateur fossil collectors to the field of paleontology. Through their discovery, we gain a deeper understanding of the ancient world and the remarkable creatures that once roamed the Earth’s oceans.