Scientists have made an incredible discovery on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, unearthing the remains of a winged dinosaur that lived over 166 million years ago. The findings, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, reveal the existence of a pterosaur named Ceoptera evansae, which belonged to a group known as Darwinoptera. This particular species was previously believed to have mainly inhabited China, making its presence in Scotland a complete surprise.
The discovery was made in 2006 when researchers stumbled upon the incomplete fossil remains of Ceoptera evansae on a small beach along the coastline of Loch Scavaig, on the Strathaird Peninsula. Over the years, scientists meticulously analyzed the partial skeletons, including the shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone. They also utilized digital scanning techniques to reveal hidden elements of the skeleton that were embedded in rock.
What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that the skeleton of Ceoptera evansae is one of the first pterosaur species to be fully digitally prepared. This breakthrough allows researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the creature’s anatomy and provides valuable insights into its evolutionary history.
The presence of Ceoptera evansae in Scotland challenges previous assumptions about the distribution and lifespan of Darwinoptera. It suggests that these winged dinosaurs may have existed 25 million years longer than previously believed, spanning from the Early Jurassic period to the latest Jurassic. This finding sheds light on the diversity of pterosaur species and their coexistence with avialans, which are dinosaur species thought to have evolved into modern birds.
Professor Paul Barrett, a merit researcher at the Natural History Museum and senior author of the research paper, expressed his astonishment at discovering this species in the UK. He stated, “Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the UK was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution.”
Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist from the University of Bristol and lead author of the paper, emphasized the significance of this finding in understanding the evolution of pterosaurs. She explained, “The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance. To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved.”
The discovery of Ceoptera evansae on the Isle of Skye has opened up new avenues for research into the ancient world of winged dinosaurs. By examining the remains of this 166-million-year-old creature, scientists are gaining valuable insights into the evolutionary history and diversity of pterosaurs. This groundbreaking discovery challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of continued exploration and study in unlocking the secrets of our planet’s prehistoric past.
