Unmasking a Remarkable Discovery: Violent Weather Preserves Infant Pterosaurs Within Stone, Revealing a Unique Look at Prehistoric Creatures

In a groundbreaking discovery, the remains of two hatchling Pterodactylus pterosaurs, named Lucky and Lucky II, have been found almost perfectly preserved in the Solnhofen Limestones in Germany. These tiny creatures, with wingspans of less than 20 centimeters (8 inches), have been preserved for 150 million years.

The discovery of Lucky and Lucky II provides valuable data for palaeontologists studying the early evolution and ecology of pterosaurs. The fossils were discovered in the midst of a stormy lagoon, suggesting they drowned during severe weather events. This finding challenges the long-held belief about the Solnhofen lagoon ecosystem.

The storms in the Solnhofen limestone caves were caused by sudden, severe weather events that led to rapid drowning and burial of very young pterosaurs, preserving them almost perfectly as fossils. The fractures on Lucky and Lucky II suggest they were caused by a powerful twisting force, likely from the stormy conditions.

The study, published in the journal Current Biology, sheds light on the reasons behind the high number of young pterosaur fossils found in the Solnhofen Limestones. Larger pterosaurs, it seems, were likely able to survive the stormy weather and didn't meet the same watery fate as the young ones.

The mystery of why adult pterosaurs are found in pieces may be due to weather conditions. The study adds to the understanding of the distribution and migration patterns of pterosaurs, suggesting that the view of the Solnhofen lagoon ecosystem being dominated by small pterosaurs is biased, as many of them were likely inexperienced juveniles from nearby islands caught in storms.

The discovery of Lucky and Lucky II contributes to a more accurate understanding of the pterosaur population in the Solnhofen lagoon. Pterosaurs had incredibly lightweight skeletons, which made them susceptible to fractures during fossilization. However, the hollow, thin-walled bones of these baby pterosaurs were remarkably well-preserved, offering a unique insight into their anatomy.

The study sheds light on the reasons behind the high number of young pterosaur fossils found in the Solnhofen Limestones. It also adds to the understanding of the distribution and migration patterns of pterosaurs, providing a more comprehensive picture of these ancient flying reptiles.

Unmasking a Remarkable Discovery: Violent Weather Preserves Infant Pterosaurs Within Stone, Revealing a Unique Look at Prehistoric Creatures