Early Jurassic

Newly identified prehistoric pterosaur will help us understand evolution of flying reptiles

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Fossil, Isle, Jurassic, Dinosaur, Noise, Cladach, Early Jurassic, Skeleton, Gaelic, Atmosphere, Animal, Vectidraco, Cretaceous, Natural history, Pteranodon

We’ve just announced the discovery of a new species of pterosaur nearly 15 years after a fossil was found on the Isle of Skye.

Key Points: 
  • We’ve just announced the discovery of a new species of pterosaur nearly 15 years after a fossil was found on the Isle of Skye.
  • It is one of the most complete pterosaur fossils to be found in the UK since palaeontologist Mary Anning unearthed the first from the Dorset coast in 1828.
  • Pterosaur fossils are known worldwide but their remains are rare in comparison to those of their land and water-based relatives.
  • This is due to the fragile nature of their skeletons, which are composed of thin-walled, hollow bones.
  • But then we decided to examine the fossil using the university’s CT scanner.
  • This pterosaur species is important because of the quality of preservation and its age.
  • It is one of only a handful of pterosaur skeletons from the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 167 million years ago.
  • It also shows how new technology can is helping to unearth the mysteries of Earth’s ancient past.


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Paul Barrett is affiliated with The Linnean Society (Trustee). Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Dinosaur tracksite in Lesotho: how a wrong turn led to an exciting find

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Early Jurassic, National University of Lesotho, Sand, Personality, Google Maps, Human, Mathematics, The, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, National university, Amusement park, Road, Tunnel, Mokete Mokhosi

So it was no surprise when I led my MSc student Loyce Mpangala and our PhD candidate field assistant Akhil Rampersadh astray in Lesotho’s Roma Valley.

Key Points: 
  • So it was no surprise when I led my MSc student Loyce Mpangala and our PhD candidate field assistant Akhil Rampersadh astray in Lesotho’s Roma Valley.
  • We were walking back to our car after looking at a dinosaur tracksite that I’d visited before.
  • Walking along the wrong (I didn’t know it then) footpath, I spotted a dinosaur footprint I hadn’t seen before.
  • I guess sometimes – and I cannot overemphasise how rarely – the wrong turn can lead you to the right place.

New, old and very old

    • It is known as the Mokhosi site and was reported in 2003 by David Ambrose, a tracking enthusiast and mathematics professor at the National University of Lesotho.
    • He noted that a number of large three-toed prints were preserved, with more likely to be beneath the recent sand covering.
    • Our excitement rose as we carefully dusted these tracks: globally, ornithischian footprints are rarer than theropods during the Early Jurassic.
    • It’s remarkable, given that a high number of tracksites (14) have been identified and studied in the area.

Waiting to be found again

    • We knew that the future rains and winds would once again hide the Mokhosi tracksite, leaving only small clues to the keen eye of what lies beneath the sand.
    • We wish the same excitement to the next passerby who unveils this little wonder.

Genel Energy PLC: Update on Sarta PSC

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, December 18, 2022
Early Jurassic, MAR, Mus, API, Genel Energy, Water

Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement that contains inside information in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), transmitted by EQS Group.

Key Points: 
  • Dissemination of a Regulatory Announcement that contains inside information in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR), transmitted by EQS Group.
  • The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
  • The well was a six kilometre step out from, and was c.300 metres downdip from, the Phase 1A pilot production area.
  • The potential for longer term development and monetisation of these heavy oil resources will be assessed as part of the joint venture’s view of future Sarta field development.