New marine reptile species discovered
A new species of giant marine reptile, Ichthyotitan severnensis, has been identified by paleontologist Dean Lomax and his team in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE. This discovery adds to the growing understanding of prehistoric life in the oceans.Discovery by a young fossil hunter
The remains were discovered in 2020 by Ruby Reynolds, an 11-year-old British girl, and her father, Justin, along the coast of Somerset, England. The find highlights how amateur fossil hunters can contribute to important scientific discoveries.Estimated size of the reptile
The reptile, an ichthyosaur, is estimated to have been between 20 and 26 meters long, rivaling the size of a blue whale, the largest animal known today. This estimate is based on a single fragment of the jaw bone, called a surangual, which measures up to 145 centimeters.Challenges in determining size
Due to the lack of a complete skeleton, the size range remains cautious. The full length of the jaw bone is believed to have exceeded two meters, but scientists are careful not to overstate the findings without more evidence.Naming and habitat of the species
The name Ichthyotitan severnensis means "giant fish-lizard of the Severn," named after the nearby estuary. This colossal creature lived in warm, shallow seas and was propelled by a powerful tail fin, with a silhouette resembling an oversized dolphin rather than a fish.Comparison with other ichthyosaurs
Compared to other known ichthyosaurs, which are typically only a few meters long, this titan belonged to a rare group of exceptionally large species that appeared later. This discovery provides new insights into the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles.
