Baby Pterosaurs Took to Skies Just Days After Hatching, But Storms Were Their Downfall

Baby Pterosaurs Could Fly Right After Hatching, But Crashed in Storms A groundbreaking discovery at the Solnhofen site in southern Germany has revealed that baby pterodactyls could fly just days after hatching. However, their fledgling wings proved no match for fierce tropical storms, which sent them crashing into a lagoon where they drowned. According to Dr. David Unwin and Robert Smyth of the University of Leicester, UK, two tiny Pterodactylus antiquus hatchlings were found with identical wing fractures, suggesting that even at a young age, these creatures had the physical attributes necessary for flight. "We were shocked," said Dr. Unwin. "And we're not easily shocked. It just sort of leapt out of the rock when we put the UV light on it." The discovery was made while inspecting fossils under ultraviolet light at the Museum Bergér in Harthof. The researchers estimated that the two animals were around 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long and had wing structures similar to those of adult pterodactyls. Background: Pterosaurs and Their Development Pterosaurs, a group of flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, have long fascinated scientists. While it was known that they could fly as adults, there has been ongoing debate about whether their young could also take to the skies. The discovery of these two hatchlings provides new insights into the development and behavior of pterosaurs. Implications for Science The findings have significant implications for our understanding of pterosaur biology and ecology. "This changes everything we thought we knew about pterodactyls," said Dr. Unwin. "It suggests that they were able to fly from a very young age, which is remarkable." The discovery also raises questions about the role of storms in shaping the evolution of these creatures. "If baby pterosaurs were crashing into lagoons and drowning, it would have had a significant impact on their populations," said Dr. Smyth. Current Status and Next Developments Further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore the implications for our understanding of pterosaur development and behavior. The researchers plan to continue studying the fossils and conducting experiments to better understand how these creatures adapted to their environment. The discovery has sparked excitement among paleontologists and scientists, who are eager to learn more about these fascinating creatures. As Dr. Unwin noted, "This is just the beginning of a new chapter in our understanding of pterodactyls." *Reporting by Newscientist.*