Letter: Letter

From Alexander Gryson

I note that the timeline used in your article to summarise life’s movement onto land jumps straight from trigonotarbids, primitive spiders, to four-legged vertebrates 375 million years ago.

I would draw your attention to a set of footprints in Valentia, Ireland, which were made 385 million years ago by a four-legged vertebrate similar to salamanders or lungfish. Although not fully adapted to land, it certainly represents a “missing link” in the transition of some vertebrates from an aquatic to an amphibious lifestyle, and finally a fully terrestrial form.

These footprints are the oldest in the northern hemisphere, beaten only by a set in Australia that are 400 million years old. The Valentia footprints can easily be viewed, albeit after a trek through a field to get to a rocky outcrop on the coast.

Those who wish to do so, however, should do so quickly. A “visitors’ centre” will soon be constructed and is sure to reduce the thrill of seeing these marvellous prints close-up and personal.

Ballymadun, Ireland