Mary Anning

Mary Anning was a famous fossil hunter from England. She was born in Lyme Regis in 1799. She found amazing fossils of ancient sea creatures along the English coast. Her discoveries helped scientists understand prehistoric life.

Early Life

Anning grew up poor in a seaside town. Her father taught her to find and collect fossils. They sold fossils to tourists to earn money. After her father died, Mary continued fossil hunting to support her family.

Big Discoveries

At just 12 years old, Anning found the skeleton of an ichthyosaur, a giant sea reptile. She later found the first plesiosaur, another huge sea creature. She also discovered an ancient flying reptile. Male scientists often got credit for her finds.

Fun Facts

• The tongue twister 'She sells seashells by the seashore' may be about Mary Anning.
• Lightning struck near her as a baby, and she survived.
• She taught herself geology and anatomy by reading science books.

Did You Know?

Anning was not allowed to join the Geological Society of London because she was a woman. But after she died, the president of the society said she was one of the greatest fossil hunters who ever lived.