1821 in paleontology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paleontology or palaeontology is the study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.[1] This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, fossilised feces (coprolites), palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because humans have encountered fossils for millennia, paleontology has a long history both before and after becoming formalized as a science. This article records significant discoveries and events related to paleontology that occurred or were published in the year 1821.
Dinosaurs
- On 21 June, Gideon Algernon Mantell displays the fossils he would later name Iguanodon to the Geological Society, but arouses little interest.[2]
Plesiosaurs
New taxa
| Taxon | Novelty | Status | Author(s) | Age | Unit | Location | Notes | Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plesiosaurus[3] | Gen. nov. | Valid | De la Beche & Conybeare | Sinemurian | Blue Lias |  England |
Conybeare named the genus in Plesiosaurus 1821 without designating a type species. The genus was named on the basis of a complete skeleton discovered by Mary Anning.[4] |  |