A newly identified ancient lizard from Scotland is giving scientists a clearer look at how snakes began. The fossil, named Breugnathair elgolensis, dates to the Jurassic period and is described as one of the oldest relatively complete lizard specimens. Researchers say its snake-like teeth could help trace key steps in the early evolution of snakes.
The find was announced by a research team studying fossils from Scottish rocks long known for Jurassic-era life. Their conclusion: this animal's unusual dental features connect parts of the family tree that link early lizards to the line that would later include snakes.
"Researchers have discovered a mysterious ancient lizard with snake-like teeth in Scotland. Breugnathair elgolensis is one of the oldest relatively complete lizard fossils and helps scientists better understand the origins of snakes in the Jurassic period."
Scientists have debated how snakes emerged from lizard-like ancestors for decades. Hard evidence is rare because small reptiles often leave only partial remains. A relatively complete Jurassic lizard is unusual, and its teeth offer clues about feeding habits and skull function linked to early snake traits.
The Jurassic period, spanning tens of millions of years, saw many reptile groups diversify. Fossils from that time help researchers map when features like flexible skulls, specialized teeth, and altered jaws appeared in the lineage.
Snake-like teeth suggest a diet and bite style different from many lizards. The shape and placement can hint at how the animal captured and processed prey. This pattern could mark a shift toward traits later seen in early snakes.
Researchers often compare dental patterns across fossils to test how features evolved. If Breugnathair elgolensis shares traits with early snakes, it supports a stepwise path rather than a sudden change.
Classifying early lizards and snake ancestors is complex. Small shifts in skull joints, tooth roots, and palate shape can move a species along the lizard-to-snake path. The new fossil provides more characters for analysis than isolated bones can offer.
If the species sits near the base of the group that gave rise to snakes, it could reset timelines used in prior studies. That would influence how scientists read the fossil record from the Jurassic into the Cretaceous.
Not all researchers will agree on the fossil's exact placement. Some will argue that snake-like teeth evolved more than once among early lizards. Others may say the trait signals a deeper link to later snakes.
Comparative work with previously known Jurassic and early Cretaceous reptiles will be key. New scans and measurements can test whether the skull and jaw mechanics fit known snake precursors or represent a separate experiment in evolution.
Future studies will likely include high-resolution imaging, detailed tooth wear analysis, and broader comparisons across early squamate fossils. Field teams may also return to Scottish sites to search for more pieces from the same layers.
More complete finds could confirm whether Breugnathair elgolensis stood close to the line leading to snakes or occupied a side branch with similar teeth. Either outcome refines the picture of reptile evolution during the Jurassic.
The discovery already changes the conversation. A rare, well-preserved lizard with snake-like teeth points to specific steps that shaped later reptiles. As new data arrive, the fossil's place in the story of snake origins will become clearer, and researchers will watch for new finds that either support or challenge this early signal from Scotland.