Menu
11/10/2019
325 Million Year-Old Amphibian Bones Found In Clare
The bones of an amphibian-like creature that scurried the shores of Co Clare 325 million years ago have been discovered.
The two small fossilised bones were recovered from a beach at Doolin.
Researchers Dr Eamon Doyle and Dr Aodhán Ó Gogáin published their findings in the Irish Journal of Earth Sciences.
The 10mm-long bones come from a leg and possibly a hip bone from a small amphibian that would have been an ancestor to the first lizards, which ultimately evolved into dinosaurs 100 million years later.
It's understood they date back to the Carboniferous Period which lasted from 360 to 299 million years ago. This is an important period in the evolution of life as it is during this time that amphibians evolved from fish and first began to colonise the land. The fact that amphibian bones are rare finds in rocks of this age highlights the importance of Dr Doyle's discovery.
The amphibian from Clare, that would fit in the palm of your hand, probably lived along a swampy coastline, either in an estuary or along rivers further inland and may have been washed out to sea during a storm or flood, the bones eventually settling onto the muddy seafloor where they were buried and turned to fossils.
(JG/CM)
The two small fossilised bones were recovered from a beach at Doolin.
Researchers Dr Eamon Doyle and Dr Aodhán Ó Gogáin published their findings in the Irish Journal of Earth Sciences.
The 10mm-long bones come from a leg and possibly a hip bone from a small amphibian that would have been an ancestor to the first lizards, which ultimately evolved into dinosaurs 100 million years later.
It's understood they date back to the Carboniferous Period which lasted from 360 to 299 million years ago. This is an important period in the evolution of life as it is during this time that amphibians evolved from fish and first began to colonise the land. The fact that amphibian bones are rare finds in rocks of this age highlights the importance of Dr Doyle's discovery.
The amphibian from Clare, that would fit in the palm of your hand, probably lived along a swampy coastline, either in an estuary or along rivers further inland and may have been washed out to sea during a storm or flood, the bones eventually settling onto the muddy seafloor where they were buried and turned to fossils.
(JG/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2014
Bones Found During Work At Trinity College
Archaeologists have been called in to investigate bones discovered by workers outside Trinity College on College Green on Wednesday afternoon. The discovery was made during Luas works outside the college and some 1.5m underground. It is understood that the bones are thought to be historic human remains.
Bones Found During Work At Trinity College
Archaeologists have been called in to investigate bones discovered by workers outside Trinity College on College Green on Wednesday afternoon. The discovery was made during Luas works outside the college and some 1.5m underground. It is understood that the bones are thought to be historic human remains.
08 October 2012
Fishermen's Families Offer To Fund DNA Testing
The families of Irish fishermen lost at sea have agreed to help pay for DNA tests on bones which were found of the southeast coast. The announcement comes amid uncertainty over whether the Irish government would be willing to fund the examinations.
Fishermen's Families Offer To Fund DNA Testing
The families of Irish fishermen lost at sea have agreed to help pay for DNA tests on bones which were found of the southeast coast. The announcement comes amid uncertainty over whether the Irish government would be willing to fund the examinations.
27 July 2012
Search Resumes For Missing Angler
Naval dive teams are preparing to search for an angler who fell into the Atlantic off Valentia Island. A search resumed at 6am this morning for the fisherman who was seen slipping into the water last night. The man was among a party of seven who were fishing at Culloo Rock on the north side of the island in Co Kerry.
Search Resumes For Missing Angler
Naval dive teams are preparing to search for an angler who fell into the Atlantic off Valentia Island. A search resumed at 6am this morning for the fisherman who was seen slipping into the water last night. The man was among a party of seven who were fishing at Culloo Rock on the north side of the island in Co Kerry.
15 June 2012
Woman In 'Serious Condition' After Being Hit By Garda Van
A 21-year-old woman is being treated in hospital after she was knocked down by a garda van responding to a call-out in Cork city early this morning. The incident happened just after midnight on Lavitt's Quay, close to the Cork Opera House.
Woman In 'Serious Condition' After Being Hit By Garda Van
A 21-year-old woman is being treated in hospital after she was knocked down by a garda van responding to a call-out in Cork city early this morning. The incident happened just after midnight on Lavitt's Quay, close to the Cork Opera House.
04 January 2010
December Breaks Temperature Records
December 2009 was officially the coldest in the last 28 years according to figures released today by Mét Eireann. In a statement released this morning, the Irish weather body announced that not only was it was the coldest December for 28 years over most of the country but it was the coldest of any month since February 1986.
December Breaks Temperature Records
December 2009 was officially the coldest in the last 28 years according to figures released today by Mét Eireann. In a statement released this morning, the Irish weather body announced that not only was it was the coldest December for 28 years over most of the country but it was the coldest of any month since February 1986.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Any rain along the north coast soon clearing north to give a dry evening. Further rain will move south and east in the early hours, occasionally heavy. Remaining mild. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
