Rare Flying Reptile Fossil Found On Scottish Island, Dates Back To Middle Jurassic Era
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of scientists from the Natural History Museum, University of Bristol, University of Leicester, and the University of Liverpool has uncovered the fossil remains of a distinct species of flying reptile, known as a pterosaur, on a Scottish island.
Lived approximately 168-166 million years ago??
This remarkable find sheds light on the existence of a pterosaur named Ceoptera, which lived approximately 168-166 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period.The fossilised wings, shoulders, legs, and backbone of Ceoptera were unearthed from a rock formation on the Isle of Skye, although the skull of the creature was notably absent, according to a report by the BBC.
Based on the scientists' analysis, it is estimated that Ceoptera had a wingspan ranging from 1 meter to 1.5 meters.
The Isle of Skye, situated off the northwest coast of mainland Scotland, is renowned for its rugged landscapes and geological significance.Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone, who utilized a CT scanner to create a detailed 3D digital model of the fossil, expressed excitement about the rarity of fossils from the Middle Jurassic era.
"Finding anything from that period that's more than just a single bone is exciting," she remarked. Dr. Martin-Silverstone highlighted the significance of Ceoptera in understanding the transition of pterosaurs from smaller-bodied forms to larger, short-tailed varieties that dominated the skies during the subsequent Cretaceous period.
Professor Paul Barrett, a Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum and senior author of the study, emphasised the importance of Ceoptera in refining our understanding of the evolution of flying reptiles. He noted that the discovery challenges previous assumptions about the distribution of advanced pterosaurs, with Ceoptera appearing earlier than anticipated and exhibiting a nearly worldwide presence.
Ceoptera derives its name from the Scottish Gaelic word meaning mist
Ceoptera, the second pterosaur discovered on the Isle of Skye, derives its name from the Scottish Gaelic word "che¨°," meaning mist. This finding underscores Scotland's unique contribution to paleontological research and highlights the region's significance in the study of prehistoric life.
According to Professor Steve Brusatte, not directly involved in the research, Ceoptera's discovery offers valuable insights into the evolutionary stages of pterosaurs. He explained that during the Middle Jurassic period, pterosaurs thrived in the skies, predating the existence of birds. Scotland's sub-tropical climate during this time, characterized by beaches and lagoons, likely provided an ideal habitat for pterosaurs such as Ceoptera.
The study, titled "A new pterosaur from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland and the early diversification of flying reptiles," has been published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, marking a significant contribution to our understanding of prehistoric flying reptiles and their evolutionary history.
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