The Pterosaur: A Distinctive Flying Reptile That Dominated the Skies of the Isle of Skye

Researchers have discovered a new species of pterosaur on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The fossil, which was found on a beach, includes the wings, shoulders, legs, and backbone of the ancient reptile, but the skull is missing. Pterosaurs from this time period were believed to primarily exist in China, so finding one off the coast of Scotland was a surprising revelation. The creature, named Ceoptera after the Gaelic name for the Isle of Skye, is the second pterosaur to be found on the island. Fossils from the Middle Jurassic period, in which this species lived, are extremely rare, making this discovery especially significant. The fossil was analyzed using a CT scanner to create a 3D digital model, which revealed that the pterosaur likely had a wingspan of 1-1.5 meters. Professor Steve Brusatte, who was not involved in the research, praised the findings, noting that they prove the existence of a pterosaur species that represented an intermediate stage of evolution. He also commented on the prevalence of pterosaurs in Scotland during that time, emphasizing their dominance over dinosaurs in the skies. The fossil was first uncovered in 2006 and required extensive work to remove the surrounding rock before it could be properly studied. The researchers used acid to dissolve the rock and then conducted a CT scan to publish their findings in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The discovery of this new pterosaur species expands our understanding of these ancient flying reptiles and their lengthy existence during the Jurassic period.