Mary Anning

paleontology · fossil hunter · history of science · Jurassic period

Self-taught expert. Mary Anning had little formal education, but she taught herself geology and paleontology by studying fossils and reading scientific papers. She became so skilled that scientists across Europe respected her knowledge.

Found ancient sea monsters. She discovered the remains of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other incredible marine reptiles in the cliffs near her home in Lyme Regis, Dorset. These finds proved that dinosaurs and other amazing creatures once swam in ancient seas.

Cliffs held treasures. The rocky cliffs along the English Channel where Mary lived were packed with 200-million-year-old fossils from the Jurassic period. Fossil hunting in these cliffs was dangerous because rocks would crumble and fall, but Mary braved the risks.

Changed science forever. Mary's discoveries helped scientists understand that Earth was much older than people thought and that life had changed dramatically over time. Her work was crucial to developing the theory of evolution.

Women in science. At a time when women couldn't attend university or be scientists officially, Mary became recognized worldwide for her paleontology work and proved that brilliant minds come in any gender.