A leading dinosaur expert is heading to Dinosaur Isle next week to reveal how one of the world’s most important fossils may have made the evolutionary leap into the skies.
Dr Neil Gostling, associate professor in evolution and palaeobiology at the University of Southampton, will give a special talk at the Isle of Wight Council-run museum on 25th August at 13:00.
Entitled Hop, hop and away: How an icon of evolution leapt for the sky, the talk will focus on Dr Gostling’s recent research into how Archaeopteryx, regarded as the first bird, was able to take flight.
Dr Gostling has said:
“Archaeopteryx may well be the most important fossil ever found.
“When Archaeopteryx was first discovered in 1861, its combination of bird and reptile-like traits meant that it was hailed as the ‘proof’ of Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection.”
However, more than 150 years later, questions remain about how the animal achieved one of the defining characteristics of modern birds – flight.
Dr Gostling will explain how his research team brought together a range of skills to determine how Archaeopteryx was able to take off.
The palaeobiologist has strong links to the Isle of Wight and supervised the University of Southampton project which led to the discovery of 2 new species of large predatory dinosaurs on the Island in 2021.
Dr David Button, curator and general manager at Dinosaur Isle, has said:
“Dr Gostling is a fantastic speaker and always brings expert knowledge when he talks at Dinosaur Isle.
“We are delighted to welcome him back and he is sure to deliver another brilliant talk on one of the most fascinating questions in evolutionary history, how the Archaeopteryx first took flight.
Article continues below this advertisement “This promises to be a truly engaging talk for anyone interested in our island’s remarkable prehistoric past.”
The talk is included at no additional cost for paying museum visitors.
Adult admission costs £8, with entry for children aged 5-15 costing £5. Children under 5 can enter for free.
Dinosaur Isle’s fossil lab hatch also remains open every day between 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 until 31st August, giving visitors the opportunity to handle real Isle of Wight fossils and speak to museum scientists.
Daily activities are also taking place in the dinosaur exhibit, with talks from museum experts at 11:00 and 13:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until 28th August.
