Fossil Findings Illuminate the Demise of Juvenile Pterosaurs
Recent research has provided new insights into the fates of two juvenile pterosaurs, designated as Lucky I and Lucky II, whose remarkably preserved remains were discovered in the Solnhofen limestone deposits in Germany. These findings not only highlight the significance of their skeletal injuries but also shed light on the ecological conditions during their time.
Preservation and Circumstances of Death
Paleontologist Nick Smyth posits that the sparse representation of adult pterosaurs in the region’s fossil record may be attributed to their better survival odds and delayed decomposition. Adult carcasses often floated on water for extended periods, sometimes days to weeks, during which they would gradually sink, while juveniles were small enough to be quickly buried by sediment, enhancing their chances of preservation.
The unique preservation of Lucky I and Lucky II provides crucial clues regarding their demise. Through advanced analysis, researchers discovered specific injuries to their humeri—the bones that connect wings to the body—typically most susceptible to trauma in flying creatures.
The Nature of the Injuries
The humerus fractures in the two pterosaurs are particularly telling. Injuries to the forelimbs are a common occurrence among modern flying vertebrates, primarily occurring during flight. Studies suggest that the fractures found in Lucky I and Lucky II were sustained prior to their deaths, evidenced by bone displacement that indicates flight-related trauma, akin to storm fatalities seen in present-day birds and bats. Additionally, smooth edges of the breaks suggested these injuries occurred while alive, in contrast to jagged edges indicative of postmortem damage, with no signs of healing present.
The Role of Storms
Smyth further underscores the ecological conditions of the Solnhofen region, where severe storms posed significant risks to flying vertebrates. These storms often resulted in intense winds capable of downing creatures like pterosaurs and their avian ancestors, such as Archaeopteryx. The turbulence not only affected terrestrial organisms but also induced upheavals in marine environments, leading to the mixing of deep, salty waters with reduced oxygen levels, threatening both invertebrates and fish.
The storm conditions were not merely catastrophic; they also facilitated the fossilization process. As organisms sank, they were swiftly covered by storms’ mud, halting decomposition and rendering impressive fossils amidst harsh conditions that deterred scavengers.
Conclusion: Unraveling a Cold Case
The exquisite preservation of the Lucky I and Lucky II skeletons has provided researchers with an unprecedented opportunity to examine their injuries and determine the probable cause of death—a feat that had eluded scientists for over a hundred thousand years. Smyth concludes that the same storm events responsible for their burial were likely the primary cause of their injuries and untimely demise.
This research not only advances the understanding of juvenile pterosaur biology and ecology but also exemplifies how geological events can play a pivotal role in the fossilization and preservation of ancient life. As scientists continue to analyze these remarkable specimens, the findings may reshape our understanding of the risks and challenges faced by flying species during this prehistoric era, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental conditions and biological outcomes.
