|
The newly identified prehistoric marine reptile Dearcmhara shawcrossi, a member of a group called ichthyosaurs that swam the world's oceans at the same time that dinosaurs ruled the land, is depicted in this handout illustration provided by Todd Marshall. Scientists have announced the discovery of the fossil remains of the dolphin-like seagoing reptile on Scotland's Isle of Skye that lived about 170 million years ago and was about 14 feet (4.3 meters) long. Ichthyosaurs, some of which reached monstrous proportions rivaling all but the largest of today's whales, thrived for more than 150 million years until disappearing about 95 million years ago. Dearcmhara, a moderate-sized ichthyosaur, swam in warm, shallow seas during the Jurassic Period, eating fish and squid. Its remains are incomplete but the shape of a bone in its front flippers suggests it may have been an especially strong or fast swimmer, the researchers said. (Photo by Todd Marshall/Reuters)
|
