Fossil Sheds Light on Ancient Flying Reptiles

by SHINE

A recent fossil find in Bavaria has provided scientists with a clearer understanding of the evolution of pterosaurs, the ancient flying reptiles that dominated the skies during the age of dinosaurs. The well-preserved skeleton of a newly identified species, Skiphosoura bavarica, dates back approximately 147 million years, to the late Jurassic period.

The creature, with a wingspan of around 7 feet (2 meters), had a bony crest on the front of its snout and sharp teeth, suggesting it was a generalized predator, likely hunting small prey such as lizards, small mammals, large insects, and possibly fish. The fossil, unearthed in 2015 in southeastern Germany, is one of the most complete pterosaur skeletons ever discovered, offering crucial insights into the transition between early and late pterosaur species.

“This discovery is of immense significance,” said David Hone, paleontologist at Queen Mary University of London and lead author of the study published in Current Biology on Monday. “It not only illuminates pterosaur evolution but also provides context for other pterosaur fossils we’ve discovered, helping us understand how the group evolved over time.”

Skiphosoura is considered a transitional species, bridging the gap between early pterosaurs from the Triassic period, which had long tails and smaller sizes, and the larger, short-tailed pterosaurs that emerged later in the Cretaceous, such as the giant Quetzalcoatlus. These later pterosaurs could reach wingspans comparable to modern-day aircraft.

The fossilized specimen of Skiphosoura is nearly complete, with nearly every bone preserved in three dimensions. This is a rare find, as pterosaur fossils are typically fragile, and many are flattened or broken during the fossilization process. “Pterosaur skeletons are extremely delicate due to their thin bones, which often result in the specimens being crushed or fragmented,” explained Hone.

The creature’s distinctive features include a short, stiff tail and a skull about 10 inches (25 cm) long. Its bony crest, located at the front of its snout, may have been covered by soft tissue, potentially making it appear larger and more vibrant in color, although this remains speculative.

“While we can’t confirm the exact appearance of the crest, it was likely brightly colored or patterned,” Hone added. “The long, sharp teeth were designed for grabbing and holding onto prey.”

Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, predating birds by about 150 million years and bats by approximately 50 million years. The group flourished until their extinction 66 million years ago, likely due to the asteroid impact that also led to the demise of the dinosaurs.

Paleontologists classify pterosaurs into two major groups: the early non-pterodactyloids and the later pterodactyloids. The former had shorter heads and necks, longer tails, and other distinct anatomical traits, while the latter evolved larger heads, shorter tails, and lost their teeth over time.

The discovery of Skiphosoura, along with another species, Dearc sgiathanach, from Scotland, adds valuable information to the understanding of pterosaur evolution. Both species are part of the “darwinopteran” group, which represents a key evolutionary bridge between early pterosaurs and their later, more advanced descendants.

“Skiphosoura provides an important link in the pterosaur family tree, between the darwinopterans and the pterodactyloids,” said Adam Fitch, paleontologist and co-author of the study. “For over 150 million years, pterosaurs filled ecological niches that are now occupied by birds and other flying animals. The asteroid impact 66 million years ago ended their reign in these roles.”

This fossil discovery is a significant step forward in understanding the complex evolutionary history of pterosaurs, offering a glimpse into a time when these creatures ruled the skies.

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