The fossil remains of a flying reptile believed to be a close relative of dinosaurs have been discovered on a beach on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom. Additionally, this flying reptile is thought to have roamed the Earth tens of millions of years ago.
Reconstruction of the flying lizard Ceoptera evansae. (Image: internet).
In a statement released on February 6, scientists announced that fossilized parts, including shoulder, wing, leg, and vertebra components, have partially emerged from a large rock on the Isle of Skye. According to the researchers, this incomplete skeleton belongs to the ancient flying lizard (pterosaur), which lived more than 160 million years ago. The discovery of the fossil provides new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of this species, as fossils of flying reptiles from the Middle Jurassic period are rarely found.
The scientists named this flying lizard “Ceoptera evansae”, with “Cheò” meaning mist in Scottish Gaelic and “-ptera” derived from Greek, associated with winged animals. Meanwhile, “Evansae” honors Professor Susan E. Evans for her contributions over many years in researching fossils on the Isle of Skye.
British paleontologist Paul Barrett noted that the emergence of Ceoptera evansae in the Middle Jurassic period in the UK is surprising since most of its close relatives have been discovered in China. Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone, a paleontologist from the University of Bristol, indicated that this discovery brings us a step closer to understanding the location and timing of the evolution of more advanced lizards.
