Mary Anning: Pioneer of paleontology

Mary Anning is a fundamental figure in the world of paleontology and her history of fossil discoveries has marked a before and after in science. This self-taught paleontologist, born in England in the 19th century, faced numerous adversities due to her gender and social class, but her passion for searching for and studying fossils led her to make discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life.

Mary Anning was born on May 21, 1799 in Lyme Regis, a small town on the Jurassic coast of England, a region rich in fossils. Her father, Richard Anning, was a cabinetmaker and occasional fossil hunter, an activity he shared with Mary and her brother Joseph. Despite economic difficulties, the Anning family dedicated themselves to collecting and selling fossils as a means of livelihood. This activity, however, also fueled Mary’s curiosity and love for paleontology from a very young age.

When Mary was 12 years old, her brother discovered the skull of a ichthyosaurusa prehistoric marine reptile. It was Mary who unearthed the complete skeleton of this fossil, which represented the first find of its kind in England. This discovery was one of the first that laid the foundation for her career as a paleontologist, attracting the attention of scientists and fossil collectors.

Pioneer in the Discovery of Extinct Species

The Lyme Regis coast, part of England’s present-day “Jurassic Coast,” is a prime location for finding fossils from the Mesozoic era, and Mary Anning took full advantage of this location. At a time when many people still did not accept the extinction of species, their discoveries helped change this perception. Among its most important findings are:

1. The Ichthyosaurus (1811)

The ichthyosaurus was Mary’s first major discovery, and its impact on the scientific community was notable. Scientists of the time were impressed with the precision of Mary’s excavation and the incredible preservation of the fossil, which helped confirm the existence of extinct animals, until then a controversial idea.

2. The Plesiosaurus (1823)

This discovery established Mary Anning as a key figure in paleontology. The fossil of plesiosaurus, a long-necked marine reptile, was so strange that some scientists initially thought it was a hoax. However, once verified, the fossil became one of the most important paleontological finds of the time.

3. The Pterosaur (1828)

Mary was the first person to discover a pterosaur outside of Germany, and her discovery was the first in the UK. This discovery was fundamental to understanding that, in addition to terrestrial dinosaurs, there were flying reptiles, further expanding knowledge about the diversity of prehistoric fauna.

4. Various Species of Fossil Fish

In addition to large marine reptiles, Mary also discovered several species of fossil fish, such as the Dapedium politumwhich provided scientists with valuable information about the marine fauna of the Mesozoic era.

(Photo: Sedgwick Museum/Wikimedia Commons)

Mary Anning and the Problems of Being a Woman in Science

Despite her contributions, Mary Anning faced many barriers due to her gender and social class. In the 19th century, science was a male-dominated field, and women were not allowed to enter universities or join scientific societies. Although Mary was an expert at identifying and excavating fossils, she rarely received official credit for her discoveries.

Many times, renowned scientists acquired her findings and presented them in scientific journals without mentioning her. However, Mary gained the respect of some influential scientists of the time, such as the geologist Henry De la Beche and the naturalist Richard Owen, who recognized her skills and knowledge. Over the years, her experience and precision in field work made her a trusted source for many researchers.

Mary Anning’s Impact on Modern Paleontology

Despite the obstacles, Mary Anning’s legacy has endured to the present day, and her work continues to be recognized as a crucial contribution to the development of paleontology. Their discoveries helped:

· Demonstrate the existence of extinct species: Fossils of marine reptiles, such as ichthyosaurus and plesiosaurus, helped scientists accept the idea that species can become extinct, a notion fundamental to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, who would later acknowledge this contribution.

· Contribute to the development of geology: The precision in the documentation of the geological strata where the fossils were found made Mary a reference in paleontology and in the study of sedimentary formations, which contributed to the advancement of geology.

· Pave the way for women in science: Although Mary Anning was never fully recognized during her lifetime, her story is today a source of inspiration for women in science, and her figure has motivated new generations to fight for her contributions and discoveries.

Recognitions

Over time, Mary Anning has been recognized as a pioneer of paleontology. Her life has inspired numerous authors, and biographies, novels and films have been written about her. In addition, it was honored with the name of some fossil species, such as Anningiaa genus of fossil fish, in recognition of their work.

In 2010, the Geological Society of London included Mary Anning in a list of the ten women who have contributed most to the geological sciences. Plaques and monuments have also been erected in his honor in his hometown of Lyme Regis, where he continues to be a figure of great respect and admiration.