In an astonishing discovery along the Jurassic Coast in southern England, artist and fossil hunter Philip Jacobs stumbled upon a remarkable fossil in the spring of 2022. What Jacobs found turned out to be the two-foot-long snout of an ancient ocean predator called a pliosaur, complete with its menacing teeth.
Jacobs’s excitement grew exponentially when he returned to the location with a drone, which revealed that the snout had actually fallen from a cliff. The drone’s footage unveiled the rest of the pliosaur’s skull embedded in the cliff, measuring over six feet long. This find is being hailed as the “discovery of a lifetime” by experts.
Notably, this fossil is incredibly rare as it is the most complete pliosaur skull ever found. Paleontologists involved in the excavation, including Steve Etches, have stated that the skull showcases unique features not seen in any previously discovered specimens. Adding to its significance, Etches mentioned that there are no missing bones, making this particular fossil even more exceptional.
The pliosaur skull provides valuable insights into the anatomy and behavior of this prehistoric ocean predator. Scientists are particularly eager to better understand this species, and this find is expected to contribute significantly to our knowledge of prehistoric marine life.
The scientific community has been buzzing with excitement following this groundbreaking discovery. Researchers and paleontologists alike are eagerly awaiting the detailed analyses and research that will be conducted on the pliosaur skull. This find is sure to shed light on the mysteries surrounding prehistoric marine creatures and deepen our understanding of the ancient world.
The discovery made by artist and fossil hunter Philip Jacobs on the Jurassic Coast is a testament to the importance of continued exploration and preservation of natural wonders. As new findings emerge, they serve as a reminder of the vast knowledge and history waiting to be uncovered beneath our feet.
