Scleromochlus is an extinct group of small reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, around 235 to 205 million years ago. It was found in Scotland and is part of a larger category of creatures known as archosaurs, which also includes dinosaurs and crocodiles.
The name “Scleromochlus” comes from Greek words meaning “hard” and “lever.” The only known species within this genus is called Scleromochlus taylori, named by a scientist named Arthur Smith Woodward in 1907.
The fossils of Scleromochlus were discovered in a type of rock called Lossiemouth Sandstone. The main fossil, known as the holotype, was found around 1900. This fossil is a partial skeleton that is preserved as an impression in sandstone, but it is missing parts like the skull and tail.
Scleromochlus taylori was relatively small, measuring about 7.1 inches long. It had long back legs, which suggests it could move on both four legs and two legs. Some studies indicated it may have hopped like a kangaroo or springhare, while other research suggested it moved in a way similar to frogs.
The classification of Scleromochlus has been a topic of debate. Different studies have placed it in various positions within the evolutionary tree of reptiles. Initially, some scientists thought it was closely related to pterosaurs, the flying reptiles, while others suggested that it belonged to a different group within archosaurs.
In 2020, a scientist named Bennett argued that Scleromochlus might not be closely linked to pterosaurs after all. However, another team in 2022 used advanced scanning techniques to create a more complete picture of its skeleton. They supported the idea that Scleromochlus was indeed connected to pterosaurs, either as a member of the Lagerpetidae family or as a close relative.
In summary, Scleromochlus is an interesting piece of the puzzle in understanding how certain reptiles evolved during the Late Triassic. Even with ongoing debates about its exact classification, this small creature continues to capture the interest of paleontologists today.