Baby Pterosaurs Took Flight Within Days of Hatching – But Stormy Skies Were Their Downfall

Baby Pterodactyls Took to the Skies Within Days of Hatching, but Storms Proved Fatal In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have found evidence that baby pterosaurs could fly just days after hatching, only to meet their demise in tropical storms. The finding, published in a recent study, sheds new light on the development and behavior of these ancient flying reptiles. According to researchers David Unwin and Robert Smyth from the University of Leicester, UK, two fossilized pterodactyl hatchlings discovered at the Solnhofen site in southern Germany showed signs of broken wings. The fossils, dated back to the Triassic period, were examined under ultraviolet light, revealing a striking pattern of wing fractures. "We were shocked," Unwin said in an interview. "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 suggests that pterodactyl hatchlings had wing structures similar to those of adults, with the power and aerodynamic features necessary for flight. However, the storms that swept through their habitats proved too much for these young flyers. "It's a remarkable finding," said Dr. Unwin. "It shows that even at a very young age, pterodactyls had the physical attributes to fly. But it also highlights the challenges they faced in their environment." The Solnhofen site, where the fossils were found, is renowned for its exceptional preservation of ancient creatures. The limestone deposits have yielded numerous fossils of pterosaurs, including the iconic Pterodactylus antiquus. Background and Context Pterosaurs, a group of flying reptiles that dominated the skies during the Mesozoic era, have long fascinated scientists and the general public alike. Their evolution and behavior remain topics of ongoing research and debate. The discovery of baby pterodactyls' ability to fly has significant implications for our understanding of these creatures. Additional Perspectives Dr. Mark Witton, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth, noted that "this finding highlights the importance of considering the developmental biology of ancient animals. It's not just about their adult forms; we need to understand how they grew and developed over time." Current Status and Next Developments The study's findings have sparked renewed interest in the field of paleontology, with researchers eager to explore further the development and behavior of pterosaurs. Future studies will focus on analyzing more fossils and exploring the environmental conditions that may have contributed to the demise of these young flyers. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of ancient creatures, this discovery serves as a poignant reminder of the awe-inspiring complexity and diversity of life on Earth. *Reporting by Newscientist.*