Mary Anning

Mary Anning was born into poverty in Lyme Regis, England. She received little education, and spent much of her time combing the seashore for shells to sell. In 1811, she and her brother found a crocodile-like skeleton. It was later identified as an ICHTHYOSAUR, or “fish lizard” – the first complete specimen ever found.

By the way… At the age of one, I was struck by lightning but I survived.

An ichthyosaur fossil embedded in rock.

The amateur FOSSIL HUNTER who became a pioneering palaeontologist

Fossil finder

The cliffs near where Anning lived were rich in prehistoric fossils. She made many more IMPORTANT FINDINGS, including the first plesiosaur (a swimming reptile) and an early pterosaur (a flying reptile). Her discoveries challenged the religious view of creation and proved how different creatures had lived and evolved over time.

the world Anning’s work provided critical evidence for palaeontologists who were developing theories about how life evolved on Earth. How she changed…

Fossil of an ammonite