Image: The Malone Mountains of West Texas. Texas has very few outcrops of Jurassic rocks. Most of them are in the Malones. Credit: Joshua Lively.
A groundbreaking discovery in the fossil-rich region of West Texas has unveiled the first-known Jurassic vertebrate fossils in the state. Led by scientists from The University of Texas at Austin, the research team has uncovered weathered bone fragments belonging to a plesiosaur, an extinct marine reptile that thrived in the shallow seas approximately 150 million years ago. This remarkable find fills a significant gap in the fossil record of West Texas and sheds light on the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region.
The Malone Mountains, situated in West Texas, served as the backdrop for two fossil hunting missions led by Steve May, a research associate at UT Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences Museum of Earth History. These expeditions have not only added to the state’s fossil record but have also revealed the existence of Jurassic vertebrate fossils in Texas for the first time.
Previously, the only Jurassic fossils discovered and documented in the state consisted of marine invertebrates such as ammonites and snails. However, the recent discovery of plesiosaur fossils provides tangible evidence that Jurassic bones have a place in the geological history of West Texas.
May expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Folks, there are Jurassic vertebrates out there. We found some of them, but there’s more to be discovered that can tell us the story of what West Texas was like during the Jurassic.”
On June 23, a scientific paper detailing the bone fragments and other related fossils was published in Rocky Mountain Geology, solidifying the significance of this find.
The ancient plesiosaur fossils bring attention to the geological significance of West Texas, particularly in understanding the Jurassic period. To discover fossils from this era, it is essential to locate rocks that formed during the Jurassic period. Unfortunately, due to Texas’ geological history, the region has limited outcrops from this time period. The Malone Mountains, spanning approximately 13 square miles, contain the majority of Jurassic-aged rocks found in the state.
In 2015, while researching a book, May stumbled upon the startling fact that no Jurassic bones had been documented in the Texas fossil record. Intrigued and determined to investigate further, May set out to explore the Malone Mountains. His motivation stemmed from a clue found in a 1938 research paper by Claude Albritton, a former geology professor at Southern Methodist University (SMU). Albritton’s paper briefly mentioned the discovery of large bone fragments in the Malone Mountains. With this lead in mind, May and his collaborators embarked on their West Texas expedition, resulting in the exciting discovery of the plesiosaur bone fragments. Although the fossils were eroded and fragmented, they provide a valuable starting point for future scientific investigations, as noted by co-author Louis Jacobs, a professor emeritus at SMU.
“Geologists are going to go out there looking for more bones,” Jacobs commented. “They’re going to find them, and they’re going to look for the other things that interest them in their own special ways.”
Today, the Malone Mountains stand as a testament to West Texas’ rich geological heritage. During the Jurassic period, these ancient sediments settled just below sea level, likely within a short distance of the shoreline.
The study’s additional co-authors include Kenneth Bader, a laboratory manager at the Jackson School Museum of Earth History; Lisa Boucher, the director of the Non-Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory at the Jackson School Museum of Earth History; Joshua Lively, the curator of paleontology at Utah State University and a Jackson School alumnus; and Timothy Myers and Michael Polcyn, both researchers at Southern Methodist University. This landmark discovery in West Texas not only deepens our understanding of the region’s prehistoric past but also paves the way for further exploration and scientific breakthroughs.
The significance of the West Texas discovery extends beyond the scientific community. It highlights the region’s untapped potential as a treasure trove of ancient fossils, attracting attention from paleontologists and geologists worldwide. The finding opens doors to exciting possibilities for future research, with experts eager to delve deeper into West Texas’ geological formations and unravel the mysteries of its Jurassic ecosystem.
West Texas, with its rugged landscapes and vast expanses, has long fascinated scientists and adventure seekers alike. The discovery of Jurassic vertebrate fossils adds another layer of intrigue to this already captivating region. It sparks the imagination, conjuring vivid images of ancient marine reptiles gracefully swimming through the prehistoric seas that once covered West Texas.
Beyond its scientific and historical significance, the newfound fossils have the potential to boost tourism and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of West Texas. The region’s unique geological features, combined with the allure of uncovering ancient remnants of long-extinct creatures, could attract paleontology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious visitors from around the globe. West Texas may become a premier destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the remnants of a bygone era.
As more researchers venture into the Malone Mountains and other promising locations in West Texas, the likelihood of uncovering additional Jurassic fossils increases. The collaborative efforts of scientists, universities, and research institutions will be instrumental in furthering our understanding of the Jurassic period and painting a more complete picture of the ancient ecosystems that thrived in this region.
The recent discovery of plesiosaur fossils in West Texas marks a turning point in the state’s paleontological history. It not only solidifies the presence of Jurassic vertebrates but also highlights the untapped potential of this captivating region. With each new find, West Texas promises to reveal more secrets from the ancient past, captivating the world with its remarkable geological heritage and contributing to our collective knowledge of Earth’s prehistoric eras.
