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Fossil CSI: Giant Extinct Marine Reptile Graveyard Was Likely Ancient Birthing Grounds

The discovery of a giant extinct marine reptile graveyard has provided new insights into the behavior and reproduction of these ancient creatures. The fossil site, located in northern Germany, contains the remains of over 100 individuals of the species known as Ophthalmosaurus icenicus, a type of ichthyosaur that lived during the Jurassic period.

What are ichthyosaurs?

Ichthyosaurs were a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, from about 250 to 90 million years ago. They were similar in appearance to modern-day dolphins and whales, with streamlined bodies and long snouts filled with sharp teeth. Ichthyosaurs were highly adapted to life in the water, with paddle-like limbs and a tail fin for propulsion.

The discovery of the fossil site

The fossil site was discovered by amateur paleontologist Michael Hesemann in 2016. Hesemann noticed some unusual rocks on the beach near Kiel, Germany, and upon closer inspection, he realized they were fossilized bones. He contacted professional paleontologists at the University of Bonn, who conducted a thorough excavation of the site.

What did they find?

The excavation revealed a large number of ichthyosaur fossils, including complete skeletons and isolated bones. The researchers estimate that there are at least 100 individuals represented at the site. The fossils are remarkably well-preserved, with many of them still articulated (meaning the bones are still connected).

What does this tell us about ichthyosaur behavior?

The researchers believe that the fossil site was once an ancient birthing ground for Ophthalmosaurus icenicus. They base this hypothesis on several lines of evidence. First, many of the fossils are juveniles or newborns, suggesting that this was a place where young ichthyosaurs were born and raised. Second, the fossils are all oriented in the same direction, suggesting that they were swept into a single location by ocean currents. Finally, the presence of adult females with embryos inside them suggests that this was a place where pregnant females came to give birth.

Why is this discovery important?

The discovery of this fossil site provides new insights into the behavior and reproduction of ichthyosaurs. It also sheds light on the ancient marine environment in which these creatures lived. The researchers believe that the site was once a shallow, warm-water lagoon that provided a safe haven for pregnant ichthyosaurs to give birth and raise their young.

Conclusion

The discovery of the giant extinct marine reptile graveyard in northern Germany is a significant find for paleontologists and provides new insights into the behavior and reproduction of ichthyosaurs. The fossil site is believed to have been an ancient birthing ground for Ophthalmosaurus icenicus, shedding light on the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

FAQs

1. What is an ichthyosaur?

An ichthyosaur is a type of marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic era.

2. What did researchers find at the fossil site in northern Germany?

Researchers found over 100 individuals of the species known as Ophthalmosaurus icenicus, a type of ichthyosaur that lived during the Jurassic period.

3. What does the orientation of the fossils suggest about how they got there?

The orientation of the fossils suggests that they were swept into a single location by ocean currents.

4. Why do researchers believe that this was an ancient birthing ground for ichthyosaurs?

Researchers believe that this was an ancient birthing ground for ichthyosaurs based on several lines of evidence, including the presence of juveniles and newborns, adult females with embryos inside them, and the orientation of the fossils.

5. What does this discovery tell us about the ancient marine environment?

The discovery of the fossil site provides new insights into the ancient marine environment in which ichthyosaurs lived, suggesting that it was once a shallow, warm-water lagoon that provided a safe haven for pregnant ichthyosaurs to give birth and raise their young.

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