Laura is a science news writer, covering a wide variety of subjects, but she is particularly fascinated by all things aquatic, paleontology, nanotechnology, and exploring how science influences daily life. Laura is a proud former resident of the New Jersey shore, a competitive swimmer, and a fierce defender of the Oxford comma.
Paleontologists already know that the extinct marine reptile ichthyosaurs were enormous. Some newly described jawbone fossils uncovered in England represent a new ichthyosaur species. The bones indicate that the ocean titan may have been over 82 feet long, and even pushed the possible limits of vertebrate size. The new find is detailed in a study published April 17 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. “This research has been ongoing for almost eight years.
Dean Lomax “I was amazed by the find. In 2018, my team studied and described Paul’s giant jawbone and we had hoped that one day another would come to light,” said Lomax. “This new specimen is more complete, better preserved, and shows that we now have two of these giant bones–called a surangular–that have a unique shape and structure. I became very excited, to say the least.
Gabriel Ugueto/ The bones are about 202 million years old and date back to the end of the Triassic Period called the Rhaetian. During the Rhaetian, gigantic ichthyosaurs swam while dinosaurs walked on land. However, this was when ichthyosaurs’ time on Earth came to a close. They went extinct during the Late Triassic global mass extinction event some 200 million years ago and these bones represent the very last of their kind. Dinosaurs would not go on to live another 134 million years.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
New Jersey Earthquake: South Jersey residents describe earth shaking; others not convinced it happenedA 4.8 earthquake in Hunterdon County, N.J. rocked the entire region Friday, but some residents in South Jersey weren't convinced they felt the quake just about an hour north from them.
Lire la suite »
New Jersey toddler goes viral on social media with thick Jersey accentThe little girl is a regular guest in her aunt's social media videos, which have gained millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.
Lire la suite »
Former SDSU president praised for academic, athletic success dies at 82Weber died Sunday at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey, on his 82nd birthday.
Lire la suite »
New York, New Jersey governors pledge to ease Baltimore port burden, expand shipping capacityNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy directed their ports Thursday to accept additional cargo to alleviate supply chain pressures from the shutdown in Baltimore.
Lire la suite »
New Jersey and New York battle in court over controversial congestion pricing planIssues the sides are at odds over include a full environmental review and money the Garden State claims it is entitled to.
Lire la suite »
New Jersey challenges congestion pricing in New York CityOral arguments began in New Jersey's lawsuit against congestion pricing in NYC. Lawyers argue that the Federal Highway Administration did not conduct a thorough environmental impact study. The MTA disputes the claim and accuses New Jersey of delaying the rollout.
Lire la suite »