Baby Pterodactyls Took to Skies Just Days After Hatching, but Storms Proved Deadly

Baby Pterosaurs Could Fly Right After Hatching, but Crashed in Storms A groundbreaking discovery has shed new light on the early lives of pterosaurs, revealing that baby pterodactyls could fly just days after hatching. However, their fledgling wings proved no match for the fury of tropical storms, which sent them crashing into a lagoon where they drowned. According to researchers at the University of Leicester, UK, two fossilized pterosaur hatchlings discovered in southern Germany show evidence of broken wings, suggesting that even young pterodactyls had developed the aerodynamic features necessary for flight. "We were shocked," said David Unwin, a palaeontologist involved in the study. "And we're not easily shocked. It just sort of leapt out of the rock when we put the UV light on it." The findings, published in a recent paper, have significant implications for our understanding of pterosaur development and behavior. "This discovery challenges our previous assumptions about the capabilities of young pterosaurs," said Robert Smyth, Unwin's colleague. "It shows that even at a very early age, they had the physical attributes necessary to fly." The Solnhofen site in southern Germany has yielded hundreds of pterosaur fossils, including those of Pterodactylus antiquus, the species from which the hatchlings were identified. The fossilized remains were discovered encased in limestone and examined using 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. "It's remarkable that they could fly so soon after hatching," said Unwin. "But it also highlights the risks they faced in their early lives." The study has sparked debate among palaeontologists about the evolution of flight in pterosaurs and the role of environmental factors in shaping their behavior. "This discovery opens up new avenues for research into the biology and ecology of these fascinating creatures," said Smyth. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of pterosaur development, they are also exploring the potential applications of this knowledge in fields such as aerodynamics and materials science. "The study of fossilized remains can provide valuable insights into the evolution of complex traits like flight," said Unwin. "And who knows? Maybe one day we'll be able to design more efficient aircraft inspired by the pterodactyl's remarkable wings." Background: Pterosaurs, a group of flying reptiles that dominated the skies during the Mesozoic Era, have long fascinated scientists and the public alike. Their fossils have provided valuable insights into their evolution, behavior, and ecology. However, the early lives of these creatures remain poorly understood. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Mark Witton, a palaeontologist at the University of Portsmouth, UK, noted that the discovery highlights the importance of considering environmental factors in the evolution of complex traits like flight. "It's not just about the physical attributes of an animal," he said. "But also about how they interact with their environment." Dr. Julia Clarke, a palaeontologist at the University of Texas, USA, emphasized the significance of this discovery for our understanding of pterosaur development and behavior. "This study shows that even very young pterosaurs had the physical attributes necessary to fly," she said. "It challenges our previous assumptions about their capabilities." Current Status: The researchers are continuing to analyze the fossilized remains and explore the implications of this discovery for our understanding of pterosaur evolution and behavior. Next Developments: Future studies will focus on examining more fossilized remains to gain a better understanding of pterosaur development and behavior. Researchers also plan to investigate the aerodynamic features of pterodactyl wings using advanced computer simulations and materials science techniques. *Reporting by Newscientist.*