# Mary Anning > British fossil collector and palaeontologist (1799–1847) **Wikidata**: [Q230491](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230491) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anning) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-anning ## Summary Mary Anning was a British fossil collector and paleontologist (1799–1847) known for her groundbreaking discoveries of prehistoric marine reptiles, including the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton. Her work contributed to the scientific understanding of ancient life and challenged outdated beliefs about extinction. ## Biography - Born: May 21, 1799, Lyme Regis, England - Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland - Education: Self-taught through fossil collecting and correspondence with scientists - Known for: Pioneering fossil discoveries, including *Ichthyosaurus* and *Plesiosaurus* - Employer(s): None; worked independently as a fossil collector - Field(s): Paleontology ## Contributions - Discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton in 1821, named *Ichthyosaurus communis*, which became a cornerstone of ichthyosaur studies. - Collected and identified fossils of *Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus* (1822), providing critical evidence for the existence of marine reptiles. - Named *Anningasaura* (1824), a genus of reptiles, demonstrating her ability to classify and describe new species. - Her fossils were studied by prominent scientists like Georges Cuvier and William Buckland, advancing paleontology. - Published findings in correspondence with the Geological Society of London, contributing to scientific discourse. ## FAQs - **What was Mary Anning's primary contribution to paleontology?** Mary Anning is best known for her discovery of the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton (*Ichthyosaurus communis*) in 1821, which revolutionized the study of prehistoric marine reptiles. - **How did Mary Anning make her discoveries?** Mary Anning collected fossils independently, often working in the mudflats of Lyme Regis, where she found well-preserved specimens that were later studied by scientists. - **Who studied Mary Anning's fossils?** Scientists such as Georges Cuvier and William Buckland examined her fossils, using them to advance paleontology and challenge outdated views on extinction. - **What genus did Mary Anning name?** Mary Anning named the genus *Anningasaura* in 1824, contributing to the classification of prehistoric reptiles. - **How did Mary Anning contribute to scientific publishing?** Mary Anning shared her findings through correspondence with the Geological Society of London, helping to disseminate her discoveries to the scientific community. ## Why They Matter Mary Anning's fossil discoveries provided critical evidence for the existence of marine reptiles and challenged the belief that such creatures were mythical. Her work laid the foundation for modern paleontology, inspiring future generations of scientists. By working independently and sharing her findings with the scientific community, she demonstrated the importance of amateur contributions to scientific progress. Her legacy continues to inspire fossil hunters and paleontologists worldwide. ## Notable For - Discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton (*Ichthyosaurus communis*, 1821), a landmark in paleontology. - Named the genus *Anningasaura* (1824), contributing to the classification of prehistoric reptiles. - Her fossils were studied by leading scientists like Georges Cuvier and William Buckland, advancing the field. - Pioneered independent fossil collecting, demonstrating the value of amateur contributions to science. - Published findings through correspondence with the Geological Society of London, influencing scientific discourse. ## Body ### Early Life and Discovery Mary Anning was born on May 21, 1799, in Lyme Regis, England. From a young age, she developed a passion for collecting fossils, often working in the mudflats where she found well-preserved specimens. Her family, including her father Joseph Anning, encouraged her interest, and she began selling fossils to support her family. ### Fossil Discoveries In 1821, Mary Anning discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton, which she named *Ichthyosaurus communis*. This discovery was significant because it provided the first detailed evidence of prehistoric marine reptiles. The fossil was later studied by Georges Cuvier, who used it to support his theory of extinction. In 1822, Mary Anning collected another important fossil, *Plesiosaurus dolichodeirus*, which further contributed to the understanding of marine reptiles. ### Scientific Contributions Mary Anning's fossils were examined by prominent scientists, including William Buckland, who used her specimens to challenge outdated beliefs about the existence of marine reptiles. She also named the genus *Anningasaura* in 1824, demonstrating her ability to classify and describe new species. Her work was published in correspondence with the Geological Society of London, helping to disseminate her discoveries to the scientific community. ### Legacy and Influence Mary Anning's discoveries laid the foundation for modern paleontology, inspiring future generations of scientists. Her independent work showed the value of amateur contributions to science, and her fossils continue to be studied and displayed in museums worldwide. Her legacy endures as a symbol of scientific curiosity and perseverance. ### Personal Life and Death Mary Anning worked independently throughout her life, often facing challenges due to her gender and lack of formal education. She died on March 9, 1847, at the age of 47, leaving behind a lasting impact on the field of paleontology. Her story continues to inspire fossil collectors and scientists, highlighting the importance of curiosity and determination in scientific discovery. ## References 1. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Anning) 2. The Fossil Hunter 3. Pioneers of Science and Technology 4. BnF authorities 5. Mary Anning. NNDB 6. Integrated Authority File 7. The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science 8. Bionomia 9. International Standard Name Identifier 10. Library of Congress 11. Mary Anning (1799-1847) of Lyme; 'The Greatest Fossilist the World Ever Knew' 12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 13. SNAC 14. FemBio database 15. A historical dictionary of British women 16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 17. Virtual International Authority File 18. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb16508992r) 19. BBC Things 20. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=776540496183360) 21. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=757198148117595) 22. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Mary_Anning-99EGK) 23. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/7e380070-f762-11e1-a439-00145eb45e9a)