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The first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton was found by Mary Anning at Lyme Regis in 1811 (an Ichthyosaurus communis). The order Ichthyosauria was introduced in 1840 by Sir Richard Owen, and today about 80 species are recognised. They take their name from the Greek for "fish lizards" and are an excellent example of convergent evolution. It is thought that they evolved from land based lizards moving into the sea, eventually converging on the shape of the fish upon which they preyed.
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In excellent condition having been professionally prepared in Germany. The slab two inches thick with metal frame to reverse, embedded in a reinforced conglomerate of expanded clay pebbles in resin.
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Lot 65Sale 18819
GERMANYA LARGE ICHTHYOSAUR Estimate: GBP 100,000 - 150,000
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