82-Foot Ichthyosaur Discovered in UK, May Be Largest Marine Reptile Ever
The recent discovery of a gigantic ichthyosaur fossil in the UK by a young girl has led to the identification of what could be the largest marine reptile, rivaling the size of blue whales.
- 15-year-old Ruby Reynolds discovered a massive ichthyosaur jawbone on a beach in Somerset, England, leading to the identification of a new species named Ichthyotitan severnensis.
- The ichthyosaur, estimated to be between 22 and 26 meters long, could be the largest marine animal to have ever existed, according to scientists.
- Additional fossil fragments found in subsequent searches helped confirm the size and significance of the discovery, with comparisons made to the blue whale in terms of size.
- The discovery adds significant insight into the diversity and scale of marine life during the Triassic period, just before a major extinction event.
- This find highlights the contributions of amateur fossil hunters and the potential for significant scientific discoveries by non-professionals.
The Seattle Times 
CBC 