British paleontologists in Somerset, UK, have made an incredible discovery that could rival even the largest of blue whales. The remains of an ichthyosaur, a massive marine reptile, have been unearthed, with the surangular bone suggesting it could have measured between 22 and 26 meters in length. If these estimates are correct, this ichthyosaur could potentially be the largest marine reptile ever discovered.
This groundbreaking find comes after years of research and a reevaluation of previously discovered bones in southwestern England. In 2005, paleontologist Peter M. Galton determined that these bones were actually part of an ichthyosaur, rather than dinosaurian limb bones as originally believed. Further analysis of bones found at Aust Cliff indicates that the grown ichthyosaur could have exceeded 30 meters in length, slightly larger than the biggest confirmed blue whale.
The newly identified giant ichthyosaur species, Ichthyotian severnensis, is believed to have reached its maximum size during the late Triassic period. Unfortunately, this period also marked the end-Triassic mass extinction event, which led to the decline and eventual extinction of large ichthyosaurs roughly 90 million years ago.
Competition from other marine predators is thought to have played a significant role in the extinction of these magnificent creatures. Despite their impressive size and dominance in the ancient seas, large ichthyosaurs like Ichthyotian severnensis simply could not withstand the pressures of their changing environment. This latest discovery sheds new light on the fascinating history of these prehistoric giants and the challenges they faced in a rapidly evolving world.
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