Fossils dating back approximately 150 million years have provided new insights into the fate of two juvenile pterosaurs, revealing that they likely perished in a violent storm. Researchers from the University of Leicester have uncovered delicate bones preserved in the Solnhofen limestone of southern Germany, shedding light on the environmental conditions that led to their tragic end.
The discovery of these pterosaur hatchlings, belonging to the genus Pterodactylus, is significant not only because of the story they tell but also due to the rarity of finding such fragile fossils intact. According to paleontologist Rab Smyth, the odds of preserving pterosaur bones are remarkably low. “Pterosaurs had incredibly lightweight skeletons. Hollow, thin-walled bones are ideal for flight but terrible for fossilization,” Smyth explained.
Storm Conditions and Fossilization
The researchers investigated a peculiar trend within the pterosaur fossil record. The Solnhofen limestone has yielded numerous specimens, primarily juvenile pterosaurs. This raises an intriguing question: why are these more delicate fossils found in such abundance compared to sturdier adult bones?
The juvenile pterosaurs, nicknamed Lucky I and Lucky II, were discovered nearly intact, with their bodies smaller than a modern mouse. Both individuals exhibited broken wing bones, suggesting that they suffered injuries during the same storm event. The clean fractures in their humeri indicate that the force applied was likely due to twisting motions during the chaotic weather.
Smyth and his team proposed a theory that the storm was responsible for the hatchlings’ demise. The Solnhofen area, once a saltwater lagoon, could have seen these fragile creatures tossed about by fierce winds. The storm likely broke their wings, and as they fell into the churning waters, sediments rapidly buried their remains, preserving them for eons.
Understanding the Ecosystem
The findings support the notion that most pterosaur fossils in the Solnhofen limestone are indeed from weaker, juvenile individuals. According to Smyth, older pterosaurs would have been more robust, capable of surviving such storms. “Many of these pterosaurs weren’t native to the lagoon at all. Most are inexperienced juveniles that were likely living on nearby islands that were unfortunately caught up in powerful storms,” he stated.
This research not only provides a resolution to a long-standing mystery in paleontology but also enhances understanding of the ecological dynamics of the time. The study has been published in the journal Current Biology. As scientists continue to explore these ancient bones, the story of the pterosaurs offers a glimpse into a world shaped by natural forces, revealing the fragility of life in the face of overwhelming storms.
