Paleontologist Megan L. Jacobs said: “This ichthyosaur has many differences that make it unique enough to be its genus and species. “In the UK, Neo-Jurassic ichthyosaurs are extremely rare Because these creatures have been studied for 200 years. We know this is almost new, but it took about a year to make a full comparison with all other Jurassic ichthyosaurs to make sure that our intuition is correct. It̵
It seems to have some similarities with the “extremely deep rib cage” of the sperm whale, it may allow larger lungs and space, so it does not crush internal organs under pressure. Its eyes are also large, which means it can see well in low light.
Its hundreds of tiny teeth seem to indicate that its diet may be composed of squid and small fish, and “the teeth are completely smooth is unique.”
Photograph of sea dragon (Thalassodraco etching) fossil (MJML K1885).Image source: Etches Collection, Dorset, UK
Jacobs said: “They still have to breathe air on the surface, and they don’t have scales.” “There is almost nothing about the biology of these animals. We can only make assumptions based on the fossils we have, but today There is no such thing around. Eventually, in order to adapt to a completely aquatic environment, they can no longer lay eggs on the ground, so they evolve into young larvae that are alive, first with tails. Baby bones were found in the mother, and actually found Those bones.”
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Adam Bankhurst (Adam Bankhurst) is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and Twitch.