Baby Pterodactyls Took to Skies Just Days After Hatching – But Stormy Weather Was Their Downfall

Baby Pterodactyls' Flying Ability Debunked by Fossil Find In a groundbreaking discovery at the Museum Bergér in Harthof, Germany, paleontologists David Unwin and Robert Smyth have revealed that baby pterodactyls could fly within days of hatching. However, their aerial abilities came with a deadly price: crashing into lagoons during storms. According to the researchers from the University of Leicester, UK, the fossilized remains of two Pterodactylus antiquus hatchlings showed evidence of broken wings, indicating that they had attempted flight before succumbing to the harsh weather conditions. The discovery was made possible by using ultraviolet light to inspect the fossils at the Solnhofen site in southern Germany. "We were shocked," Unwin said. "And we're not easily shocked." He added, "It just sort of leapt out of the rock when we put the UV light on it. We both kind of went, 'Bloody hell! Look at this!'" The findings suggest that baby pterodactyls had wing structures similar to those of adults, with the power and aerodynamic features necessary for flight. However, their ability to fly was not without risks. The researchers estimated that the two animals were around 10-15 centimeters (4-6 inches) long, and their wingspans were approximately 20-25 centimeters (8-10 inches). Background and Context Pterodactyls are a group of flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era. The Solnhofen site in southern Germany is renowned for its well-preserved fossils, including those of pterosaurs. The discovery of baby pterodactyls' flying ability has significant implications for our understanding of these creatures' behavior and ecology. Additional Perspectives Dr. Mark Witton, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth, UK, commented on the findings: "This is an exciting discovery that sheds new light on the lives of baby pterodactyls. It's clear that they were capable of flight from a very young age, but their ability to navigate storms and avoid crashing was limited." Current Status and Next Developments The researchers plan to continue studying the fossils at the Solnhofen site to gain further insights into the lives of baby pterodactyls. The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the study of pterosaurs, with many scientists eager to learn more about these fascinating creatures. As Unwin noted, "This is just the beginning of a new chapter in our understanding of pterodactyls. We're excited to see where this research takes us." *Reporting by Newscientist.*