Fossil discovered on Skye is new species of fanged Jurassic reptile

The fossil of a beforehand unknown reptile that had snake-like fangs and lived about 167 million years in the past has been found on Skye.

Experts mentioned their analysis had revealed it to be a brand new species and household of Jurassic animals linked to the origins of lizards and snakes.

It has been given the Gaelic identify Breugnathair elgolensis, that means “false snake of Elgol”, in a nod to the realm of southern Skye the place it was found.

The fossil is among the many oldest and most full Jurassic lizards identified to science.

Details of the invention have been revealed within the scientific journal Nature.

An worldwide staff of researchers led by the American Museum of Natural History – and together with National Museums Scotland – examined the fossil.

The consultants mentioned Breugnathair had snake-like jaws and tooth that curved backwards just like these of modern-day pythons.

Unlike dwelling snakes, it had the proportions and limbs of a lizard.

The researchers mentioned Breugnathair may present additional proof of the lizard-like ancestors of snakes.

Lead creator Dr Roger Benson, curator of palaeontology on the American Museum of Natural History, mentioned: “Snakes are remarkable animals that evolved long, limbless bodies from lizard-like ancestors.

“Breugnathair has snake-like function of the tooth and jaws, however in different methods is surprisingly primitive.

“This might be telling us that snake ancestors were very different to what we expected, or it could instead be evidence for evolution of predatory habits in a primitive, extinct group.”

The fossil was found close to Elgol by National Museums Scotland curator Dr Stig Walsh, and is now a part of the museum’s assortment.

Dr Walsh mentioned: “The Isle of Skye is one of the most important Middle Jurassic sites in the world.

“Breugnathair elgolensis is a outstanding addition to the fossil file, serving to to rewrite our understanding of the evolution of snakes and lizards.

“We’re delighted to add it to the other amazing finds in the National Collection that were discovered in Skye, truly Scotland’s Jurassic Isle.”

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and University College London (UCL) have been additionally concerned.

The fossil was additionally analysed utilizing high-power X-rays by the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble in France.

UCL’s Prof Susan Evans, who co-led the research, mentioned: “The Jurassic fossil deposits on the Isle of Skye are of world importance for our understanding of the early evolution of many living groups, including lizards which were beginning their diversification at around this time.”