1、Click Here for Support with using Interactive PDFsDaily NewsLargest-Ever Ichthyosaur Discovered in UKThe remains of the largest-ever ichthyosaur discovered in Britain have been dug up in Rutland Water Nature Reserve.Joe Davis discovered the ichthyosaur.He spotted the remains while a lagoon at the re
2、serve was being drained in February 2021.Because the mud at the bottom of the lagoon was on show,he was able to see something poking out of it.Joe immediately thought he had discovered a dinosaur so called some experts to have a look.When the paleontologists arrived,they were able to identify that i
3、t was actually an ichthyosaur.They were also able to date the clay around the fossil.Using this information,the team thinks the fossil dates back 180 million years!When the remains were fully excavated,the fossil measured a whopping 10 metres long.Its size was not the only challenge in removing the
4、fossil.The skull alone weighed just under one tonne!Dr Dean Lomax led the excavation of the creature.He said,“Not only is it the largest ichthyosaur skeleton ever found in Britain,but it is also the most complete skeleton of a large prehistoric reptile ever discovered in the UK.And yes,that includes
5、 dinosaurs!”The fact that the discovery of the fossil was inland is also of interest to the team.Usually,discoveries of this kind happen along the coastline.This discovery will help build a picture of the area in the Jurassic era.The remains will now be further studied.The team hopes that in the fut
6、ure the remains will be able to go on display in the local area.So,with prehistoric fossils yet to be discovered,who knows who might find the next one!Illustration:Fossil of ichthyosaur.Glossarymarine To do with the sea.RutlandA county in the midlands that is the smallest in England.lagoon A man-mad
7、e lake of freshwater.palaeontologistA scientist who studies fossils.Science UK News 13th January 2022What is an ichthyosaur?An ichthyosaur was a marine reptile that looked similar to dolphins but with large eyes and teeth.They are sometimes known as sea dragons but they were not dinosaurs.In the 19t
8、h century,Mary Anning,the famous palaeontologist,became the first person to discover their fossils.visit Questions1.What was the name of the man who discovered the ichthyosaur?2.Why do you think excavating the fossil was a challenge?3.In the sentence:When the remains were fully excavated,the fossil
9、measured a whopping 10 metres long.what is meant by the word whopping?4.How do you think Mary Anning felt when she discovered the first ichthyosaur?5.Tick to show whether the statement is a fact or an opinion.FactOpinionMary Anning is the first known person to discover an ichthyosaur.Mary Anning is the most famous scientist of the 19th century.The ichthyosaur is not a dinosaur.This is the most significant find of its kind.6.Summarise the key information from the article in 15 words or fewer.Largest-Ever Ichthyosaur Discovered in Britainvisit
