Fossilised dinosaur teeth found in East Sussex are showing that the prehistoric world was richer and more complex than scientists thought.
135 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Teeth Discovered in East Sussex: What They Tell Us About Prehistoric Britain
By Arezki AMIRI
Published on 8 December 2024 13:23
A truly remarkable discovery has recently been made at Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, providing us with an unprecedented insight into the carnivorous dinosaurs that once roamed this region some 135 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period! Thanks to the expertise of a former quarry worker, researchers have uncovered a wealth of fossilised teeth, shedding light on the diversity of dinosaur species that once inhabited this coastal landscape.
An Unprecedented Discovery in the South of England
The fossilised teeth, primarily from carnivorous dinosaurs, have confirmed the presence of several theropod species in this area. Among the most notable discoveries are tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs, and members of the velociraptor family. This is particularly significant as these theropods had never before been identified in sediments of this age or in this particular part of southern England, a region not traditionally associated with dinosaur fossils.
The discovery of such a diverse group of predatory dinosaurs in the area is all the more remarkable given that it was previously believed to be a relatively barren site in terms of prehistoric finds.
Dave Brockhurst’s Crucial Role in the Dinosaur Teeth Discovery
At the heart of this groundbreaking discovery is Dave Brockhurst, a former quarry worker who has dedicated nearly 30 years to collecting fossils from the Ashdown Brickworks site. His passion for paleontology, coupled with his expertise in fossil hunting, has led to the discovery of thousands of specimens, including dinosaur teeth, shark teeth, and partial skeletons.
In his own words, Mr Brockhurst remarked:
"When I was a child, I was fascinated by dinosaurs, but I never imagined they’d be so close to me." Dave Brockhurst.
Today, his tireless efforts continue, with an impressive collection that has now been shared with the Bexhill Museum, contributing several thousand fossils to the institution’s holdings. The teeth of theropods, however, remain particularly rare at this site, making these finds all the more significant.
Modern Scientific Advances Aid in the Analysis
The analysis of these fossils has been made possible by modern scientific techniques such as CT scanning and machine learning methods, enabling a detailed and accurate study of each tooth and its origins. This research is being led by the team from the University of Southampton, under the guidance of Dr Chris Barker, a research fellow and lead author of the study. The team has also collaborated with renowned institutions such as the Natural History Museum in London, the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, and the Museo Miguel Lillo de Ciencias Naturales in Argentina.
The use of cutting-edge tools, including phylogenetic analysis, has allowed the team to accurately identify and classify the theropod species present at the site. This collaboration marks a significant leap in the study of Early Cretaceous dinosaurs in southern England.
Here are the theropod species identified from the fossils:
- Tyrannosaurids: Early ancestors of the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.
- Spinosaurs: Long-snouted dinosaurs, known for their ability to hunt in aquatic environments.
- Dromaeosaurs: Members of the velociraptor family, agile and carnivorous.
These findings have not only confirmed the presence of these predatory dinosaurs but have also revealed the remarkable variety of species that once thrived in the region.
A Fascinating Yet Mysterious Prehistoric Fauna
The discovery of these theropods paints a picture of a much more complex and diverse predatory community than previously understood. Dr Darren Naish, co-author of the study, explained:
"Dinosaurs in southern England have a fantastic fossil record from the Cretaceous, with unique geological layers. But these fossils from East Sussex are much older and far less well-known. We’ve been hoping for decades to discover which theropod species lived here." Dr Darren Naish.
While the new discoveries provide a partial answer, they still leave many questions unanswered. The fossils from Bexhill-on-Sea are older than those found on the Isle of Wight, traditionally one of the best-studied sites for dinosaur fossils in the UK, offering new insights into the evolution of theropods in the region.