What's Happening?
An 11-year-old boy from Kansas, Corbin Bullard, discovered a 15-foot-long marine reptile fossil during a geology club field trip. The fossil, identified as a tylosaurus, was found in a quarry near Clearwater, Kansas. Over several excavation trips, Bullard and
his club members uncovered nearly the entire skeleton, including the skull. The tylosaurus lived approximately 82 to 87 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil was dated to the Smoky Hill Chalk formation, a fossil-rich area in Kansas.
Why It's Important?
This discovery is significant as it adds to the understanding of marine life during the Cretaceous Period. The find highlights the potential for significant paleontological discoveries in everyday settings and underscores the importance of educational programs in fostering scientific curiosity among young people. The fossil provides valuable data for researchers studying the diversity and distribution of marine reptiles in prehistoric times.
What's Next?
Corbin Bullard plans to display the fossil's skull at the Sedgwick County Fair, showcasing the discovery to the public. This event may inspire further interest in paleontology among young people and encourage more educational field trips and fossil hunting activities. Researchers may also conduct further studies on the fossil to gain more insights into the life and environment of the tylosaurus.
