What's Happening?
Dinosaur fossils discovered on the island of Ireland have been confirmed as originating from two separate species, thanks to a scientific study involving Dr. Mike Simms and universities in Portsmouth and Belfast.
Fossil collector Roger Byrne found these bones on a beach in County Antrim over four decades ago. The fossils, dating back 200 million years to the Jurassic period, are now part of an exhibition at University College Cork. Ireland is considered an unlikely location for dinosaur fossils due to its geological composition, which lacks the typical rocks that would contain dinosaur remains.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of dinosaur fossils in Ireland is significant as it challenges the notion that the region's geological history is unsuitable for such finds. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Ireland's paleontological history, potentially sparking interest in local geology and paleontology. It also highlights the meticulous work of fossil collectors like Roger Byrne, whose contributions have expanded scientific understanding of the region's prehistoric life.
