Newly-Hatched Pterosaurs May Have Been Able to Fly

Pterosaurs were a group of flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, alongside dinosaurs. They were the first vertebrates to evolve powered flight and were able to fly using their wings, which were made up of a thin membrane of skin stretched over elongated finger bones. While pterosaurs are known for their impressive size and ability to fly, little is known about their early development. However, recent research suggests that newly-hatched pterosaurs may have been able to fly.

The Study

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Lincoln studied the fossilized remains of a hatchling pterosaur called Sinopterus dongi. The fossil was found in China and is estimated to be around 120 million years old. The researchers used high-resolution CT scans to examine the fossil and create a digital model of the hatchling's wing bones.

Results

The researchers found that the hatchling's wing bones were well-developed and had a similar structure to those of adult pterosaurs. This suggests that the hatchling was capable of flight shortly after hatching. The researchers also found that the hatchling's wingspan was around 25 centimeters, which is relatively small compared to adult pterosaurs.

Implications

The findings have important implications for our understanding of pterosaur development and evolution. It suggests that pterosaurs were able to fly from an early age, which may have helped them avoid predators and find food. It also suggests that pterosaurs had a unique mode of development compared to other reptiles, as they were able to fly shortly after hatching.

Conclusion

In conclusion, newly-hatched pterosaurs may have been able to fly based on recent research on a fossilized hatchling called Sinopterus dongi. The findings suggest that pterosaurs had a unique mode of development and were able to fly from an early age. This has important implications for our understanding of pterosaur evolution and behavior.

FAQs

1. What are pterosaurs?

Pterosaurs were a group of flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era, alongside dinosaurs.

2. How did pterosaurs fly?

Pterosaurs were able to fly using their wings, which were made up of a thin membrane of skin stretched over elongated finger bones.

3. What is Sinopterus dongi?

Sinopterus dongi is a fossilized hatchling pterosaur that was found in China and is estimated to be around 120 million years old.

4. What did the researchers find when they studied Sinopterus dongi?

The researchers found that the hatchling's wing bones were well-developed and had a similar structure to those of adult pterosaurs, suggesting that the hatchling was capable of flight shortly after hatching.

5. Why is this research important?

The research has important implications for our understanding of pterosaur development and evolution, suggesting that pterosaurs had a unique mode of development compared to other reptiles.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

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