A rare marine reptile fossil, nicknamed the ‘sword dragon,’ was recently identified on the UK’s Jurassic Coast after over two decades in storage. Experts have now classified this ancient creature as a new species called Xiphodracon goldencapensis. The skeleton, originally found at Golden Cap in Dorset, remained unstudied in a museum for over 20 years.
Unveiling the ‘Sword Dragon’
Paleontologists made a breakthrough when they noticed unique bite marks on the skull of this ichthyosaur. These marks provided crucial evidence about the creature’s fate and offered new insights into prehistoric marine life along the Dorset coast. Experts believe the bite marks reveal how this ancient reptile met its end—likely at the jaws of a larger predator.
The discovery of Xiphodracon goldencapensis not only adds a new species to the ichthyosaur family tree but also sheds light on the diversity of life that once thrived in the seas covering what is now southern England. This find highlights how museum collections can still hold remarkable scientific surprises, even decades after fossils are discovered.
Why This Discovery Matters
The identification of this new ichthyosaur species reminds us of the rich prehistoric heritage preserved on the Jurassic Coast. It also underscores the importance of ongoing research and the potential for new revelations within existing fossil collections.
Sources:
https://www.discoverwildlife.com/prehistoric-life/xiphodracon-goldencapensis-dorset-england
