Listen "38. Mary Anning: The Dinosaur Hunter!"
Episode Synopsis
Mary Anning Facts and FossilsThis episode of 'She Changed History' delves into the remarkable life of Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist from the early 19th century. Now often in kids’ books and on the BBC, Mary made groundbreaking fossil discoveries on the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset England, including the first complete ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons, and the first pterosaur skeleton found outside of Germany. The episode highlights the numerous challenges Mary faced, from being excluded from scientific communities to having her work misattributed to male scientists. Despite these injustices, Mary's work fuelled public interest in palaeontology and left an indelible mark on the field. The episode also captures emotional moments, such as Mary's close bond with her dog Tray and her relentless dedication to her work, even under dangerous conditions. Mary Anning's legacy endures today, honoured by the Natural History Museum and a statue on the Jurassic Coast, celebrating her as a key figure in the history of palaeontology.Other episodes mentioned: 36. Betsy Cadwaladr00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup00:53 Exciting News: A New Baby!02:34 Introducing Mary Anning03:37 Mary's Early Life and Challenges11:58 Mary's First Major Discovery15:21 The Ichthyosaurus: A Groundbreaking Find18:21 Mary's Continued Success20:36 Mary Anning's Remarkable Discovery21:38 Sexism in Palaeontology22:41 Recognition and Rejection24:14 The Geological Society's Exclusion27:41 Mary's Resilience and Companion29:53 The Third Discovery: Pterodactyl36:05 Mary's Contributions and Legacy41:05 The Tragic End and Lasting Impact
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