![Painting of two small black and white rodent-like mammals with dinosaur shapes in the background.](https://nms-supercool.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Images/Departments/Natural-Sciences/Doctoral-Research-Projects/stereognathus-by-mark-witton.jpg?w=570&h=426&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1718695116&s=25dcb1b281dcc36fe51e368a1f4e9b38)
Origin and Evolution of Mammals: study of an exceptionally preserved skeleton from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland
Dr Elsa Panciroli successfully defended her thesis in 2019 after 3.5 years as a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh and co-supervised by National Museums Scotland.
Last updated: 8 February 2022
About the research
There are still many mysteries surrounding the origin and early radiation of mammals. They appeared at the same time as the first dinosaurs, yet remained relatively small until the dinosaur extinction 65 million years ago. Despite their size, they were clearly very successful to have survived and flourish on earth today. This project looked at what made these early mammals so successful, and the role they played in an ecosystem dominated by dinosaurs.
![Dr Elsa Panciroli crouching on a large rock.](https://nms-supercool.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Images/Departments/Natural-Sciences/Doctoral-Research-Projects/elsa-panciroli.jpg?w=771&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1718695115&s=85138354da0b72d868351341301989c7)
Elsa examined previously overlooked fossils from the Isle of Skye which are among the best-preserved Middle Jurassic mammals outside China. Using micro CT-scanning, Elsa reconstructed the fossils digitally in 3D and used them to study the anatomy of these creatures, helping to tell us how they lived, what they ate, and where they fit into the ecosystem of Jurassic Scotland.
Elsa has gone on to become a Research Associate at National Museums Scotland, and a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Researcher at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Find her on Twitter @gsciencelady.
Lead image: Jurassic Coast: Stereognathus by Mark Witton (markwitton.com).
- Project title
Origin and Evolution of Mammals: study of an exceptionally preserved skeleton from the Middle Jurassic of Skye, Scotland
- Student
Dr Elsa Panciroli
- Project active
2015 - 2019
- Funder
NERC E3 (Edinburgh Earth and Environment) Doctoral Training Partnership
- University Supervisors
Dr Stephen Brusatte - School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh
Prof. Zhe-Xi Luo - Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago- National Museums Scotland Supervisor
Dr Stig Walsh and Dr Nick Fraser - Department of Natural Sciences
- Research theme
Sustainability
Project contact
Contact list of staff members
Dr Stig Walsh
Related to this project
- Event
Science Sunday
22 Sep 2024, 10:30 – 15:30Celebrate Maths Tales at the museum with maths-inspired family activities. - Event
Scotland Galleries highlights tour
1 Apr 2023 – 31 Aug 2024, Tues – Fri, 11:00Join our volunteer guide to explore Scotland’s stories through highlight objects in our Scotland Galleries.Free - Event
Friday Friends
13 Sep 2024 – 20 Jun 2025Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.Free