Researchers have identified a marine reptile that may be the largest ever to have swam in the world’s oceans, as reported by both BBC and National Geographic. This creature was about 202 million years old, living at the end of the Triassic period, also known as the age of dinosaurs. A fossil hunter discovered its jawbone on a beach in Somerset, UK in 2016. In 2020, another similar fossilized jawbone was found by a father and daughter in the same area.
Paleontologist Dean Lomax from the University of Bristol evaluated the fossils and concluded that they were likely two giant fish lizards, specifically an Ichthyotitan severensis. The size of their jawbones suggests that the animal was about 25 meters long, which is similar to the length of a blue whale. However, more evidence is needed to confirm this size estimate, such as finding the entire skeleton and skull of the animal. According to Lomax, no other fish lizard has been as large as Ichthyotitan severensis since its extinction.
These extinct fish lizards were top predators in their time and had a significant impact on marine ecosystems. The new fossils found in Britain are believed to belong to a new species due to their location and dating back to an era known as a black box for Ichthyosaurian fossil series. Paleontologist Neil Kelley notes that this discovery could help fill in some gaps in our understanding of these ancient creatures and their role in shaping our planet’s history.
In conclusion, while there is still much we need to learn about this mysterious sea creature from millions of years ago, its discovery has provided exciting insights into what life was like during this time period and how it may have influenced our current environment.