Modern imaging methods reveal our ancient ancestors
In 2023, research conducted at the Department of Optoelectronic Measuring Methods of the Institute of Measurement Science SAS focused on the development and application of digital imaging methods. The cooperation of biologists and physicists made it possible to achieve significant results by applying advanced digital imaging methods for analysing palaeontological find of one of the most basal reptiles. SAS scientists managed to create a unique virtual model of the skull.
"In the work published in the renowned journal PLoS ONE, we described in detail the only known specimen of the early eureptile Coelostegus prothales from the Upper Carboniferous of the Czech Republic. Using photogrammetric scanning and a virtual 3D rendition of the skull, we obtained new and detailed information about the structure of the individual bones of the skull and the lower jaw, which enabled the creation of a complete virtual model of the skull. To evaluate the affinities of Coelostegus prothales, this taxon was coded in two recently published taxon-character matrices," Miroslav Hain of the Institute of Measurement Science SAS explains the research.
As he further claims, Parsimony and Bayesian analyses do not permit firm conclusions on the phylogenetic position of Coelostegus.
"The knowledge gained about the anatomical structure of one of the most basal reptiles represents a significant scientific contribution to understanding the development of the earliest amniotes, with important implications for understanding the transition of life from an aquatic environment to land," added Miroslav Hain.
Prepared by Monika Tináková
Foto: M. Hain, J. Klembara