SCIENTIFIC EDUCATIONAL CENTER science idea

The first vertebrates that really learned to fly were pterosaurs, which resembled something between lizards and birds. They were also the largest animals that ever took to the air: the wingspan of the pterosaurs of Quetzalcoatl may have reached up to 15 meters. At the same time, they could fly, apparently, from birth, without requiring training, like birds.

It is still not completely clear whether newborn pterosaurs could fly actively, flapping their wings, or only soared, remaining dependent on their parents until they got stronger. However, more and more data point to the first option. Evidence of active flight can be sufficiently strong bones, muscle mass that can move the wings, and traces of keratin structures of feathers. British paleontologists led by Darren Naish from the University of Southampton turned to the first point.

The authors examined the previously found remains of embryos, newborns and adult pterosaurs of the species Pterodaustro guinazui and Sinopterus dongi. They evaluated the size of the wings and their bones, checking how much load they are able to withstand. Special attention was paid to the humerus, which takes on a considerable part of the load. Its good development is absolutely necessary in order to take off on its own.

To the great surprise of scientists, this bone in newborn pterosaurs was even more developed than in adults. In comparison with the size of the body, their wings were shorter and wider, which may indicate good maneuvering abilities in flight.

Apparently, small pterosaurs took to the air very early — both hiding from predators and hunting small prey on their own. The authors of the work note that such an early flight is unknown among modern birds, with the sole exception of exotic maleo - very unusual feathered inhabitants of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

The article was published in the journal Scientific Reports
Image: A flock of Pterodaustro guinazui in flight: An artist's View © Marc Witton

Source: naked-science.ru, sci-dig.ru