Unusual Preservation of Fibrous Elements in an Ichthyosaur Skull

Rare soft tissue preservation showing fibrous structures in an ichthyosaur from the Lower Lias (Jurassic) of England

“…An outline of Delair's (1966) description is therefore given so as to distinguish clearly which of the two layers of ¢bres it is that is being referred to. Note that, in Delair's (1966) ¢gure 3, his Â2 is incorrect and should be Â6 (cf. the natural size in his ¢gure 2).…”

“…Such mineralization is known in ichthyosaur specimens from both the Lower Lias of England and the Posidonia Shale of Germany (Martill 1993;Lingham-Soliar & Reif 1998). Delair's (1966) description referred to only one layer of ¢bres. The present study proposes that there are two (a layer of apparently thick strands which Delair (1966) described and a layer of thin ¢bres in his`intervals' which he made no reference to).…”

“…Delair's (1966) description referred to only one layer of ¢bres. The present study proposes that there are two (a layer of apparently thick strands which Delair (1966) described and a layer of thin ¢bres in his`intervals' which he made no reference to). An outline of Delair's (1966) description is therefore given so as to distinguish clearly which of the two layers of ¢bres it is that is being referred to.…”

“…Martill 1995;LinghamSoliar & Reif 1998). Thus, an earlier description (Delair 1966) of structures preserved in a layer of the skin of an ichthyosaur (Stenopterygius) is considered important.…”

“…This is the ¢rst record of skin with ¢bres in a Lower Lias ichthyosaur. Delair (1966) described the ¢brous elements in GLAHM V1180a as consisting of`thread-like strands' in an area of preserved skin on the surangular. Here I present a redescription with new interpretations which shed important light on the outer integument of ichthyosaurs and its possible signi¢cance in the e¤ciency of high velocity swimming.…”