Mary Anning

Mary Anning was an English fossil collector, dealer, and palaeontologist. She became well-known around the world for her amazing discoveries in Jurassic marine fossil beds along the cliffs of the English Channel at Lyme Regis in Dorset, South West England. Her work helped scientists understand more about prehistoric life and the history of the Earth.

Anning searched for fossils in the Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone cliffs, especially in winter when landslides would expose new fossils. She made several important discoveries, including the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton when she was just twelve years old, the first two nearly complete plesiosaur skeletons, and the first pterosaur skeleton found outside Germany. She also discovered that coprolites, which people called bezoar stones, were actually fossilised faeces, and that belemnite fossils contained ink sacs like those of modern cephalopods.

Even though Anning made many important contributions to science, she faced many challenges. Because she was a woman, she was not allowed to join the Geological Society of London, and she didn’t always receive full credit for her work. Despite these difficulties, she became well known among geologists in Britain, Europe, and America. After her death in 1847, people became even more interested in her unusual and inspiring life story.

Life and career

Mary Anning was born in Lyme Regis in Dorset, England, on 21 May 1799. Her family lived close to the sea, where storms often revealed fossils in the cliffs. Mary grew up learning about these fossils from her father, who sold them to tourists. Despite facing many challenges, including the loss of several siblings and financial difficulties, Mary developed a deep interest in fossils.

Mary became an expert at finding and selling fossils, which helped support her family. She discovered important fossils, including the first complete Plesiosaurus and examples of flying reptiles known as pterosaurs. Although she faced barriers as a woman in science, her contributions were valued by many scientists who visited her shop and bought her finds. Mary's work helped advance the understanding of prehistoric life and Earth's history.

Major discoveries

See also: History of palaeontology and Timeline of palaeontology

Mary Anning made many important discoveries that changed how people thought about life long ago. When she was just a child, she found the first complete skeleton of an ichthyosaur, a large sea reptile. This discovery surprised many people because at the time, most believed the Earth was only a few thousand years old and that species did not change or disappear.

Anning also found fossils of another sea reptile called the Plesiosaurus. She discovered several nearly complete skeletons of these creatures, which helped scientists understand more about their shape and life. Sadly, sometimes she was not given credit for her finds.

In addition to sea reptiles, Anning discovered fossils of fish and a flying reptile called a pterosaur. She also found fossilized ink from ancient squid-like animals and fossils that looked like animal waste, called coprolites, which helped scientists learn more about ancient life.

Recognition and legacy

Mary Anning’s discoveries helped scientists understand that Earth was once home to creatures very different from those alive today. Fossils she found, such as the plesiosaur and pterosaur, showed that many species had gone extinct long ago. These findings supported the idea that Earth has gone through many changes over millions of years, and they helped create the science of studying fossils, called palaeontology.

Anning inspired many people even after her death. Books, plays, and songs have celebrated her life and work. In recent years, she has been honored in many ways, including having a research ship named after her and receiving recognition from the Royal Society. In 2022, a statue of Anning was unveiled in her hometown of Lyme Regis, where she made many of her important fossil discoveries.