How a Devastating Storm 150 Million Years Ago Led to the Extinction of Baby Pterosaurs

A fierce storm might have caused the deaths of two baby pterosaurs about 150 million years ago, according to new research. This study provides insights into the mystery surrounding their fossilized remains found in a lagoon in what is now Germany.

The pterosaurs, playfully named Lucky and Lucky II, likely perished in the storm as young as a few days to weeks old. These fossils date back to the Jurassic Period, around 153 to 148 million years ago, and are some of the smallest known pterosaurs, with wingspans under 8 inches (20 centimeters). Finding such tiny bones is rare; they usually don’t preserve well.

At first sight, the fossils seemed intact, but closer examination revealed that both had fractured arm bones, suggesting they were affected by strong winds. Researchers think they drowned after falling into the lagoon during the storm, where they were quickly buried by sediment—a tragic twist of fate that ultimately preserved their skeletons.

Rab Smyth, the lead study author and paleontologist, pointed out the rarity of such finds. “Preserving a pterosaur is already a challenge, finding one that tells how it died is even rarer,” he said. These fossils provide an explanation for why smaller pterosaur remains are frequently found, while larger ones are scarce in the area.

Around 150 million years ago, Europe looked quite different. It was made up of small islands, with the Solnhofen lagoons being part of an archipelago. Over the past 240 years, researchers have consistently uncovered small pterosaur fossils in this region, but larger specimens remain elusive.

The study employed Ultraviolet Fluorescence Photography to reveal hidden aspects of the fossils. This technique helped identify preserved soft tissue and showed that these young pterosaurs were indeed injured. Interestingly, both Lucky specimens belong to a species that usually didn’t adapt to a marine life.

The findings indicate the pterosaurs likely lived on nearby islands. Their habitats were semi-arid with sparse vegetation, inhabited by various small reptiles and invertebrates. There is ongoing research to uncover how these hatchlings could fly so soon after birth, a feat that modern flying animals seldom achieve.

Experts like David Martill from the University of Portsmouth find the study intriguing but suggest that injuries usually occur when animals hit rocks. He called for more research to understand the causes better. Steve Brusatte, a paleontology professor at the University of Edinburgh, praised the study as top-notch detective work, emphasizing how each fossil tells a tragic story.

Overall, this research sheds light on how environmental factors like storms shaped the fossil record in significant ways. Instead of merely reflecting local ecosystems, many discovered pterosaurs were likely swept into the lagoons from surrounding areas. It’s a poignant reminder of the natural world’s fragility and our ongoing quest to understand it.

For further insights from current paleontological studies, you can explore publications like Current Biology here.

Source link