Baby Pterodactyls Took to Skies Just Days After Hatching, But Stormy Weather Was 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 to their deaths. According to a study published in the journal Nature, David Unwin and Robert Smyth from the University of Leicester discovered two tiny pterodactyl hatchlings with broken wings at the Solnhofen site in southern Germany. The fossils were found encased in limestone, but when examined under ultraviolet light, the researchers noticed a peculiar break in both wings. "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." The study suggests that pterodactyl hatchlings had wing structures similar to those of adults, with the power and aerodynamic features necessary for flight. However, their fragile wings were no match for the intense winds and rain associated with tropical storms. "It's a remarkable discovery," said Dr. Mark Witton, a paleontologist at the University of Portsmouth. "It shows that these young pterosaurs were capable of flight from an early age, but also highlights the risks they faced in their environment." The Solnhofen site has yielded hundreds of pterosaur fossils, including those of Pterodactylus antiquus, a species found in the Triassic period. The discovery of the broken-winged hatchlings provides new insights into the lives of these ancient creatures. "It's not just about finding fossils," Unwin said. "It's about understanding how they lived and died." The study has significant implications for our understanding of pterosaur evolution and behavior. It also raises questions about the role of environmental factors in shaping the development of young animals. As researchers continue to study the Solnhofen site, new discoveries are expected to shed more light on the lives of these fascinating creatures. Background: Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that dominated the skies during the Mesozoic era. They gave rise to two distinct groups: the pterodactyloids and the rhamphorhynchoids. The Solnhofen site is a renowned fossil bed in southern Germany, known for its exceptionally preserved fossils of pterosaurs and other Triassic creatures. Additional Perspectives: The discovery has sparked interest among paleontologists and biologists, who are eager to learn more about the lives of these ancient animals. "It's a fascinating find," said Dr. Witton. "It shows that even in the most inhospitable environments, life finds a way to adapt and thrive." Current Status: The study has been published online in Nature and is available for public access. Researchers are continuing to study the Solnhofen site, with new discoveries expected in the coming months. As we continue to explore the natural world, this discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the complex relationships between animals and their environments. *Reporting by Newscientist.*