Ichthyosaur Credit: University of Cambridge
Mary Anning's fossil discoveries revealed an 'ancient Dorset', and were influential contributions to the blossoming science of palaeontology during the early 19th century. " - What is it? This is the fossil skeleton of an ichthyosaur, a type of extinct marine reptile. It lived during the early Jurassic Period, and is around 200 million years old. The fossil was found in the cliffs at Lyme Regis in Dorset in 1835 by celebrated fossil collector Mary Anning. What's the story? The ichthyosaur fossil was purchased from Mary Anning by Cambridge geologist and Woodwardian Professor Adam Sedgwick. Sedgwick's desire to expand the University's geological collections meant he was well connected with many of the fossil collectors of the time. A series of letters between Anning and Sedgwick during the summer of 1835 has enabled us to trace the history of this specimen.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
