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The
preserved and pregnant ancient marine reptile was dubbed "Fiona"
by scientists. The 4-meter-long fossil will help scientists
study embryonic development in ichtyosaurs, which roamed the
seas between 90 and 250 million years ago.
The fossil "is the only pregnant ichthyosaur that's been found
on the planet from the era between 129 and 139 million years
ago," said Judith Pardo, the scientist who discovered the
fossil. "So it's incredibly important."
Pardo, a paleontologist at the Magallanes University's GAIA
Antarctic Research Center, discovered the fossil more than a
decade ago, but the site's extreme climate conditions, harsh
terrain and remoteness made the extraction a complex logistical
challenge.
Scientists spent 31 days extracting the fossil that had to then
be helicoptered out of the site. Because the fossil was so
complete, paleontologists said they had to extract five blocks
weighing 200 kilograms to keep the bones intact.
The fossil is now being prepared for exhibition in the Rio Seco
Natural History Museum in southern Chile.
Pardo said scientists also discovered 23 ichthyosaur specimens
during the campaign, bringing the total up to almost 100 found
in the Tyndall Glacier and making the region one of the most
abundant and well-preserved ichthyosaur sites in the planet.
(Reporting by Reuters TV; Editing by David Gregorio)
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