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Stenopterygius quadriscissus, ichthyosaur
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Stenopterygius quadriscissus, ichthyosaur
Close up of the jaw of an ichthyosaur specimen on display at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8593483
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10712685
Diapsid Diapsida Gallery Ichthyosaur Ichthyosauria Reptile Reptiles Reptilia Sauropsid Sauropsida Specimen Teeth Tooth Stenopterygius
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In this close-up photograph, the intricately detailed jaw of the Stenopterygius quadriscissus ichthyosaur is displayed at the Natural History Museum in London. This prehistoric marine reptile, hailing from the Mesozoic Era around 167 million years ago, is a striking example of the Ichthyosauria order within the larger group of Sauropsida, or reptiles with a sauropsid skull. The Stenopterygius quadriscissus, also known as the "four-cutter" ichthyosaur due to its unique tooth structure, is a member of the Stenopterygidae family. Its name derives from the Greek words "steno," meaning narrow, and "pterygios," meaning winged or finned. This moniker reflects the narrow, wing-like pectoral fins that helped propel this creature through the ancient oceans. As a diapsid reptile, Stenopterygius quadriscissus shares several anatomical features with modern reptiles, including a diapsid skull, which features two openings on each side for the passage of the temporal artery and the mandibular nerve. In this jaw display, the serrated, conical teeth are clearly visible, each with a distinct serrated edge, designed for seizing and holding onto prey. This stunning specimen offers a glimpse into the rich marine ecosystems that once thrived during the Mesozoic Era. The Natural History Museum's exhibition of this prehistoric reptile not only showcases the remarkable diversity of life that has existed on Earth but also highlights the importance of preserving and studying these fascinating fossils to deepen our understanding of the natural world.
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