Tag

Ichthyosaur

All articles tagged with #ichthyosaur

Sword-Dragon Ichthyosaur Unveils a New Early Jurassic Lineage
science10 hours ago

Sword-Dragon Ichthyosaur Unveils a New Early Jurassic Lineage

A 190-million-year-old ichthyosaur skeleton nicknamed the Sword Dragon of Dorset, Xiphodracon goldencapensis, is described as a nearly complete Early Jurassic specimen that sheds new light on marine reptile evolution; its discovery helps pinpoint a major faunal turnover in the Jurassic, reveals a sword-like snout and signs of injury, and will join the Royal Ontario Museum for public display.

Melton bypass digs reveal Jurassic ichthyosaur and a Roman farming landscape
science10 days ago

Melton bypass digs reveal Jurassic ichthyosaur and a Roman farming landscape

Archaeologists digging the Melton Mowbray bypass uncovered a 2,000-year archaeological panorama, including two ichthyosaur fossils (one with a heavy snout) moved by glaciers from the Lower Jurassic, six late Neolithic to early Bronze Age cremations, a late Roman farmstead with Mediterranean-style plantations, Anglo-Saxon sunken buildings and loom weights, plus other artefacts, with findings to be displayed in local museums as the road project nears completion.

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Marine Reptile Fossil Discovered in England
science4 months ago

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Marine Reptile Fossil Discovered in England

A nearly complete 190-million-year-old ichthyosaur fossil, dubbed the 'Sword Dragon of Dorset,' was discovered along the UK's Jurassic Coast, filling a crucial gap in our understanding of marine reptile evolution during the Jurassic period. The fossil's exceptional preservation offers insights into the fauna turnover at the time and features unique traits like a long, sword-like snout and massive eyes, aiding scientists in understanding this pivotal era.

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Fossil Discovered on UK Coast
science4 months ago

Unique Jurassic 'Sword Dragon' Fossil Discovered on UK Coast

A near-complete skeleton found on Dorset's Jurassic coast has been identified as a new species of ichthyosaur, named Xiphodracon goldencapensis or the 'sword dragon of Dorset.' This dolphin-sized marine reptile, dating back about 185 million years, shows unique features and evidence of a fatal attack by a larger predator, filling a significant gap in ichthyosaur evolution.

Ancient Marine Reptile Fossil Unveils Stealthy Hunting Strategies and Soft Tissues
science7 months ago

Ancient Marine Reptile Fossil Unveils Stealthy Hunting Strategies and Soft Tissues

This week’s science news includes the discovery of the first soft tissue remains of a giant ichthyosaur, successful mitochondrial transfer births, observations of matter-antimatter asymmetry, the first Roman-collected trilobite fossil used as a magical pendant, and the first observation of the crystallization process in planet formation around a star 1,300 light-years away, along with a feature on vitamin B12 supplementation.

Revolutionary Fossil Finds Unveil Stealthy Hunting Tactics of Ancient Giant Ichthyosaurs
science7 months ago

Revolutionary Fossil Finds Unveil Stealthy Hunting Tactics of Ancient Giant Ichthyosaurs

A groundbreaking discovery of the first soft tissue fossil of a giant ichthyosaur from 183 million years ago reveals new features like chondroderms, which suggest the ichthyosaur was a stealthy, apex predator. This find challenges previous understanding of these marine reptiles, offering insights into their hunting strategies, evolution, and ecological role in the Jurassic seas.