Pliosaur Paddle Bone Humerus Fossil Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Weymouth Dorset UK Genuine Specimen with Premium COA

Description

Large Pliosaur Paddle Bone Humerus Fossil

This impressive fossil specimen is a genuine large pliosaur paddle bone humerus from the famous Kimmeridge Clay of Weymouth, Dorset, UK. It is a carefully selected fossil piece from one of Britain’s most important Jurassic marine deposits, offered as the actual specimen shown in the photo. The fossil comes with a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, making it an excellent addition for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, educators, display cabinets, and anyone with an interest in prehistoric marine reptiles.

Fossil Type and Identification

This specimen represents a humerus, one of the major upper limb bones from the powerful paddle of a pliosaur. Pliosaurs were large marine reptiles belonging to the wider group Plesiosauria, but unlike long-necked plesiosaurs, pliosaurs are best known for their shorter necks, massive heads, strong jaws, and robust bodies. Their limbs were modified into strong, blade-like paddles, allowing them to move efficiently through Jurassic seas.

The humerus was a key structural bone within the forelimb paddle. In life, it would have supported a broad, muscular flipper used for propulsion, steering, and manoeuvring through the water. Pliosaur paddle bones are especially collectable because they show the evolutionary adaptation of land-reptile limb bones into specialised marine swimming structures. The robust nature of the humerus reflects the strength and power of these apex marine predators.

Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Fossil

The Kimmeridge Clay Formation is one of the most celebrated fossil-bearing rock units in the UK. It dates to the Late Jurassic Period and is particularly famous for marine reptile remains, ammonites, belemnites, fish, crocodiles, turtles, and other marine life. The dark, organic-rich clays and shales were deposited in an ancient sea that covered much of southern Britain during the Jurassic.

Weymouth and the Dorset coast form part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional geological exposures and fossil record. Fossils from the Kimmeridge Clay are highly valued because they provide a direct link to the marine ecosystems that existed around 150 million years ago. During this time, pliosaurs occupied the role of dominant predators, hunting fish, squid-like cephalopods, and other marine reptiles.

Pliosaur Biology and Morphology

Pliosaurs were among the most formidable predators of the Jurassic seas. Their skeletons were powerfully built, with strong limb girdles and large paddle bones adapted for swimming. The humerus in this specimen would have formed part of a reinforced paddle structure, working with the radius, ulna, and many smaller limb bones to create a broad flipper.

The shape and density of pliosaur limb bones often reflect their aquatic lifestyle. Unlike the lighter limb bones of many land animals, marine reptile paddle bones could be thick, compact, and durable, helping to withstand the stresses of movement through water. A humerus fossil like this is therefore not only a striking display piece, but also an excellent example of functional anatomy in a prehistoric marine reptile.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

A large pliosaur paddle bone humerus from the Kimmeridge Clay is a desirable fossil for collectors of British Jurassic material, marine reptile fossils, vertebrate fossils, and specimens from the Dorset Jurassic Coast. Its connection to a powerful prehistoric predator gives it strong educational and display appeal, while its UK origin makes it especially attractive to collectors seeking classic British fossils.

This fossil is ideal for display in a natural history collection, fossil cabinet, study collection, educational setting, or themed Jurassic display. The photo shows the exact fossil specimen you will receive, allowing you to buy with confidence. For full sizing and visual condition, please see the photo.

Authenticity and Provenance

This fossil is a genuine specimen from the Kimmeridge Clay, Jurassic of Weymouth, Dorset, UK. It has been carefully chosen for quality, interest, and collectability. The specimen includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, confirming it as a real fossil and providing a professional record for your collection.