Mary Anning: The Unsung Hero of Paleontology
- Marisa
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 26
The name Mary Anning looms large in the history of paleontology. She made groundbreaking fossil discoveries along England’s Jurassic Coast, transforming our understanding of prehistoric life. Anning’s work helped lay the foundation for modern paleontology and reshaped scientific debates about Earth’s history.
What Did Mary Anning Discover?
In the early 19th century, Anning and her brother combed the cliffs and beaches of Lyme Regis. They sought out fossils to sell and support their family. Over the years, Anning’s intelligence and determination led her to discover several astonishing marine vertebrates:
Ichthyosaurs: In 1810-1811, when she was only 12 years old, Anning and her brother Joseph uncovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton. This marine reptile roamed the oceans 200 million years ago. Remarkably, this specimen contained fish bones in its stomach, providing early insights into ancient food chains.
Plesiosaurs: About a decade later, Anning discovered a nearly complete Plesiosaurus skeleton. This long-necked “sea dragon” was crucial in helping the scientific community recognize the paleontological value of the fossils Anning and her family had collected.
Pterosaurs: In 1828, Anning discovered a flying reptile named Dimorphodon. This find marked the first pterosaur ever discovered outside Germany.
Coprolites and Ink Sacs: Anning also identified fossilized feces, known as coprolites, and belemnite ink sacs. These findings linked different elements of ancient marine ecosystems.
In 1829, Anning excavated a fossil fish called Squaloraja. This fish represents an evolutionary link between sharks and rays.
Ichthyosaurus Anningae—In Honor of Mary Anning
In 2008, Dr. Dean Lomax and Professor Judy Massare examined an ichthyosaur in the collections of the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. According to Lomax:
"After examining the specimen extensively, (we) identified several unusual features of the limb bones that were completely different from any other ichthyosaur known. After examining over a thousand specimens, we found four others with the same features as the Doncaster fossil.”
This new species was named Ichthyosaurus anningae in honor of Mary Anning, marking the first “new” ichthyosaur found in almost 130 years.
You can join Dr. Lomax on a trip to the Jurassic Coast of Lyme Regis and beyond on Ancient Odysseys' UK Jurassic Journey.
Women in Science
Throughout Anning’s life, she faced numerous barriers as a working-class woman in a male-dominated field. Though she lacked formal scientific training, Anning was exceptionally intelligent. She self-taught herself in geology, anatomy, paleontology, and scientific illustration.
Despite her remarkable skills, Anning was excluded from significant scientific societies, such as the Geological Society of London. Nevertheless, she earned respect among her contemporaries. Her discoveries, local knowledge, and fossil classification abilities were widely acknowledged.
Anning's Impact on Paleontology, Evolution, and Dr. Lomax
Today, Anning's legacy continues to thrive. In 2001, the Jurassic Coast and the cliffs of Lyme Regis were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of Mary Anning's fossil discoveries, including her ichthyosaur, plesiosaur, and pterosaur fossils, are now displayed at the Natural History Museum in London. Additionally, the Lyme Regis Museum is built on the site of her home and remains a fossil shop. Anning's discoveries provided crucial evidence that supported Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Today, Anning's story continues to inspire academic paleontologists, including Dr. Dean Lomax.
In conclusion, Mary Anning's contributions to paleontology are not only significant but also transformative. As we reflect on her legacy, we recognize the importance of her work and the inspiration it provides to the next generation of scientists.