Pterosaurs may have evolved from tiny, fast-running reptiles

Fossils found in Scotland in 1907 are illuminating the origin of the first flying vertebrates

illustration of two Scleromochlus taylori reptiles surrounded by fern leaves

Tiny Scleromochlus taylori, shown here in an artist’s rendition, was a bipedal, ground-dwelling reptile, and a close relative of pterosaurs, the iconic winged vertebrates of the Age of Dinosaurs.

Gabriel Ugueto

A mysterious ground-dwelling reptile unearthed in a Scottish sandstone over 100 years ago turns out to be part of a famous flying family.