TED: A giant Jurassic sea dragon, unearthed | Dean R. Lomax

The video tutorial covers the discovery and excavation of a significant ichthyosaur fossil in Rutland, UK. It details the initial email that led to the discovery, the challenges faced during excavation, and the use of photogrammetry for preservation. The public announcement of the find garnered widespread media attention. Future plans include cleaning and conserving the fossil for display, highlighting its importance in British paleontological history.

What is a common misconception about ichthyosaurs?

• They are related to modern-day whales.

• They are a type of dragon.

• They are ancient marine reptiles.

• They are swimming dinosaurs.

What was the initial reaction to the photos of the Rutland discovery?

• They were dismissed as unimportant.

• They were believed to be dinosaur bones.

• They were recognized as large vertebrae.

• They were thought to be a hoax.

What role did Joe Davis play in the discovery of the ichthyosaur?

• He funded the excavation.

• He was the lead paleontologist.

• He accidentally discovered the fossil during routine maintenance.

• He provided the excavation equipment.

What challenge did the team face during the excavation?

• The skeleton was too small.

• The site was too remote.

• The skeleton was fragile and weather conditions were harsh.

• The fossil was incomplete.

How did the team ensure the preservation of the ichthyosaur during excavation?

• By moving it to a museum immediately.

• By freezing the fossil.

• By covering it with sand.

• By using a protective plaster jacket.

What modern technique was used to create a 3D model of the ichthyosaur?

• Laser scanning

• CT scanning

• Photogrammetry

• X-ray imaging

Why is the Rutland ichthyosaur considered a significant find?

• It is the oldest fossil ever discovered.

• It is the first ichthyosaur discovered in the world.

• It is the most complete skeleton of a large prehistoric reptile found in the UK.

• It is the largest fossil ever found.

What is the next step for the Rutland ichthyosaur after excavation?

• It will be cleaned and conserved for two years.

• It will be displayed in a museum immediately.

• It will be sold to a private collector.

• It will be reburied for preservation.

What makes the Rutland ichthyosaur discovery unique compared to other ichthyosaur finds in the UK?

• It was found on a beach.

• It was found in the center of the UK.

• It was found by a professional paleontologist.

• It was found in a museum.

What is the significance of the ichthyosaur being an apex predator?

• It was the largest animal in the sea.

• It was at the top of the food chain in the Jurassic Sea.

• It was the most intelligent marine reptile.

• It was the fastest swimmer.