TED Talks Daily A giant Jurassic sea dragon, unearthed | Dean R. Lomax
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Sep 6, 2022 Travel back to the Jurassic era as paleontologist Dean R. Lomax reveals the thrilling excavation of a giant ichthyosaur fossil in Britain. Discover the meticulous methods used to unearth this colossal creature, measuring an astonishing 10 meters long. Learn how modern technology is revolutionizing paleontology and enabling the extraction of delicate bones. This significant find not only adds to British history but also showcases the excitement and challenges of paleontological exploration in our quest to understand prehistoric life.
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Initial Discovery
- Joe Davis, working at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, discovered a curious structure.
- Initially unsure, he considered it a pipe or possibly a dinosaur, prompting him to seek expert advice.
Sea Dragons
- The discovered structure was identified as ichthyosaur vertebrae, commonly called sea dragons.
- These ancient marine reptiles lived in prehistoric seas, coexisting with dinosaurs on land.
Mini-Excavation and Reburial
- A mini-excavation revealed a large skeleton, necessitating a return in better conditions.
- Due to fragility and weather, the skeleton was reburied, covered, and protected until the next excavation.