Fossil CSI: Giant extinct marine reptile graveyard was likely ancient birthing grounds

Paleontologists solve mystery of fossil death bed

The final resting place for dozens of massive prehistoric marine reptiles lies in what's now Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.But why the ichthyosaurs died in such large numbers at this one particular fossil site some 230 million years ago has long been a source of debate among paleontologists.Scientifically known as Shonisaurus popularis, the species resembled a chunky dolphin and grew at least 15.2 metres long.READ MORE: Vatican to re…

Paleontologists solve mystery of fossil death bed

The final resting place for dozens of massive prehistoric marine reptiles lies in what's now Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Paleontologists solve mystery of fossil death bed

By Katie Hunt, CNN The final resting place for dozens of massive prehistoric marine reptiles lies in what’s now Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. But why the ichthyosaurs died in such large numbers at this one particular fossil site some 230 million years ago has long been a source of debate among paleontologists. Scientifically known as Shonisaurus popularis, the species resembled a chunky dolphin and grew at least 50 feet (15.2 meter…

Paleontologists solve mystery of fossil death bed

The death bed of dozens of 50-foot-long ichthyosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles that resembled chunky dolphins, had long puzzled paleontologists. A new study revealed why the creatures died in large numbers at the fossil site in what's now Nevada.

Fossil CSI: Giant extinct marine reptile graveyard was likely ancient birthing grounds

An international research team examines a rich fossil bed in the renowned Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park in Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, where many 50-foot-long ichthyosaurs (Shonisaurus popularis) lay petrified in stone. The study offers a plausible explanation as to how at least 37 of these marine reptiles came to meet their ends in the same locality -- a question that has vexed paleontologists for more than half a century. The re…

Analysis of giant extinct marine reptile graveyard suggests mysterious site was ancient birthing ground

Today's marine giants—such as blue and humpback whales—routinely make massive migrations across the ocean to breed and give birth in waters where predators are scarce, with many congregating year after year along the same stretches of coastline.