Researchers confirmed that fossils found on a Somerset beach by Ruby Reynolds and her father Justin Reynolds belong to the Ichthyotitan severnensis. The marine reptile is estimated to be 20–26 metres long.
A 200 million year old giant 'sea monster' has been discovered by a child in the south-west of England, researchers have now confirmed.
Fossilised jawbone remains found in 2020 on a Somerset beach by an 11 year old girl and her father belonged to 'Ichthyotitan severnensis', that's according to analysis conducted by University of Bristol and the University of Manchester.
It is described as a marine reptile reaching some 20 to 26 metres in length.
Since the initial find by Ruby Reynolds and her father Justin Reynolds,excavation efforts by paleontologists unearthed more pieces, leading to the new estimates of the ancient sea dwelling giant.
Explore Bias:
Media reports reports vary greatly in detail and emphasis, appealing to notably different audiences. Most emphasise the size and significance of the discovery.
A novelty factor may potentially overshadow more meaningful scientific details, and, some reports may drift toward the mythical or sensationalist aspects.
Explore More Stories:
- "Gigantic marine reptile's fossils found by British girl and father" - Reuters
- "Ancient ichthyosaur found on UK beach may be the largest marine reptile ever" - New Scientist
- "Giant, 82-foot lizard fish discovered on UK beach could be largest marine reptile ever found" - Live Science
- "Enormous ancient sea reptile identified from amateur fossil find" - BBC News
- "Fossils found in Somerset by girl, 11, ‘may be of largest-ever marine reptile’" - The Guardian
