Newly Discovered Pterosaur Species Sheds Light on Evolutionary History

Scientists have unearthed a new species of flying reptile, Ceoptera evansae, on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 168-166 million years ago. The discovery is particularly enlightening due to the rarity of Middle Jurassic pterosaur fossils, offering crucial insights into the evolutionary journey and diversity of these ancient creatures.

Unveiling Ceoptera Evansae

The fossilized remains discovered encompass partial elements of shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone, found on a substantial boulder. The new species has been christened 'Ceoptera evansae,' with 'Ceoptera' fusing the Scottish Gaelic term for mist, 'Cheò,' and the Greek suffix for winged animals, '-ptera.' The species is named in tribute to Professor Susan E. Evans, recognized for her substantial anatomical and paleontological research on the Isle of Skye.

A Significant Leap in Pterosaur Research

The discovery of Ceoptera evansae implies that the advanced group of flying reptiles, to which it belongs, emerged earlier than previously assumed, achieving nearly worldwide distribution shortly thereafter. This revelation is instrumental in narrowing the timeline of evolutionary events for flying reptiles.

British paleontologist Paul Barrett emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, 'This adds a new piece to the puzzle of pterosaur evolution.' Dr. Liz Martin-Silverstone from the University of Bristol echoed this sentiment, noting, 'The finding is a step closer to understanding the origins and evolution of the more advanced pterosaurs.'

Implications for Pterosaur Evolution

This groundbreaking discovery enhances our understanding of the early evolution of pterosaurs, indicating that the Darwinoptera clade was more diverse and persisted longer than previously thought—a span exceeding 25 million years. It also proposes a new and more intricate model for the early evolution of pterosaurs, suggesting that all main pterosaur clades evolved earlier than previously postulated.

The discovery of Ceoptera evansae is a significant surprise as most closely related species are from China. This finding underscores the global distribution of these creatures at a much earlier time than previously believed, altering our understanding of pterosaur evolution and diversity.