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 has shed new light on the early lives of pterosaurs, with researchers finding that baby pterodactyls could fly just days after hatching. However, their fledgling wings were no match for the fury of tropical storms, which sent them crashing into a lagoon where they drowned. According to Dr. David Unwin and Robert Smyth, both from the University of Leicester, UK, the discovery was made at the Solnhofen site in southern Germany, where hundreds of pterosaur fossils lie encased in limestone. Under ultraviolet light, the researchers spotted a broken wing in a Pterodactylus antiquus hatchling, followed by another tiny hatchling with an identical break in its other wing. "We were shocked," Dr. Unwin said. "And we're not easily shocked. 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 discovery has significant implications for our understanding of pterosaur development and behavior. According to Dr. Unwin, "It suggests that these young birds were capable of flight from a very early age, which is remarkable given the complexity of their wing structure." Background research indicates that pterosaurs evolved around 228 million years ago during the Triassic period. They were characterized by their distinctive wings, which were formed from skin and other tissues stretched between their body and long fourth fingers. The Solnhofen site has yielded numerous pterosaur fossils, including several species of Pterodactylus. The discovery of the two hatchlings with broken wings provides a unique insight into the lives of these ancient creatures. "This is a game-changer," said Dr. Unwin. "It shows that these young birds were capable of flight, but also vulnerable to environmental factors like storms." The research has sparked debate among paleontologists about the extent to which pterosaurs were adapted for flight from an early age. Some experts argue that the discovery supports the idea that pterosaurs evolved from flying reptiles, while others suggest it may indicate a more complex relationship between wing structure and development. As researchers continue to study the Solnhofen fossils, they are also exploring new technologies to analyze the delicate wing structures of these ancient creatures. "We're using advanced imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans to get a better understanding of their skeletal system," said Dr. Unwin. The discovery has far-reaching implications for our understanding of evolution and development in vertebrates. As researchers continue to unravel the secrets of pterosaur biology, they are also shedding light on the complex relationships between environment, behavior, and adaptation. Additional Perspectives: "This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in paleontology," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a colleague of Dr. Unwin's at the University of Leicester. "By combining fossil evidence with advanced imaging techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of the evolution and development of these fascinating creatures." "The discovery also underscores the significance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems," added Dr. John Taylor, a conservation biologist at the University of Oxford. "We must learn from the past to ensure the survival of species in the present." Current Status: The research is ongoing, with Dr. Unwin and his team continuing to analyze the Solnhofen fossils using advanced imaging techniques. Next Developments: Researchers plan to publish their findings in a forthcoming paper in the journal Nature. The study will provide further insights into the lives of pterosaurs and shed new light on the evolution of flight in vertebrates. *Reporting by Newscientist.*