Fossil found on UK coast is unique 'sword dragon' species
13 hours ago
- #ichthyosaur
- #paleontology
- #fossil
- 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'.
- The dolphin-sized ichthyosaur is the only known example of its kind and lived about 185 million years ago.
- Marks on its skull suggest it may have been killed by a bite from a larger ichthyosaur species.
- The fossil was discovered in 2001 by fossil hunter Chris Moore and acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.
- The 'sword dragon' has unique features, including a prong-like bone near its nostril and a long sword-like snout.
- Scientists believe the specimen suffered serious injury or disease before its death.
- This discovery helps fill a gap in the understanding of ichthyosaur evolution.
- Chris Moore, the discoverer, has found several new ichthyosaur species and plans to celebrate this discovery.