US EditionNew 'Sword Dragon of Dorset' Identified as Ichthyosaur Species Filling Jurassic Gap
Xiphodracon goldencapensis is the most complete ichthyosaur from the Early Jurassic Pliensbachian, filling a rare evolutionary gap, researchers said.
- A new species of ichthyosaur, named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, was discovered along the UK's Jurassic Coast, offering new insights into its evolutionary history and the time period 190 million years ago.
- The ichthyosaur, nicknamed the 'Sword Dragon of Dorset', was approximately 3 meters long and is the only known example of its species.
- Fossil collector Chris Moore found the skeleton in 2001, which exhibits features indicating past injuries and a cause of death from a larger predator.
- Experts state that the discovery provides vital information about ichthyosaur evolution and they published findings in the journal Papers in Palaeontology.
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Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered on the coast of Dorset, southern England, the almost complete skeleton of a new and rare species of ichthyosaur, a kind of prehistoric marine reptile that ruled the ancient oceans. The specimen, the size of a dolphin, lived 193–184 million years ago and has been baptized as Dorset's sword Dragon (Xiphodracon goldencapensis) by its long sword-shaped snout. He died attacked by another pre…
Dorset coast fossil identified as new 'sword dragon' species
A previously unknown species of ancient marine reptile has been identified from an almost complete skeleton found on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The dolphin-sized reptile has been named Xiphodracon goldencapensis, or the “sword dragon of Dorset", and is the only example of its kind known to science.Researchers have said that damage to the skull suggests the creature may have been killed by a bite from a much larger ichthyosaur.The fossil was origin…
Jurassic ‘sword dragon’ uncovered in England
The 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast off of England’s southeastern shore near Dorset continues to live up to its name. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the backdrop of dinosaur documentaries featuring beloved historian and naturalist Sir David Attenborough for its numerous discoveries including the mighty ichthyosaur. These prehistoric marine reptiles once stalked ancient oceans and thousands of their fossils have been found in this one spot o…
British researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric marine reptile of the Ichthyosaur family, called "Dragon-Sword of the Dorset" announced this Friday the University of Manchester.
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