PTERODACTYLS FLEW THE MOMENT THEY HATCHED

PTERODACTYLS FLEW THE MOMENT THEY HATCHED

A recent discovery has established that the pterodactyls (classified as pterosaurs) had the unbelievable ability to fly from the moment they were hatched or born. This discovery is important because no other type of flying vertebrate now can imitate what these dinosaurs have done. It is also significant because it gives us a peak at how these majestic reptiles lived.

For the longest time, pterodactyls were believed to only have gained the ability to fly only when they have grown to near adult size, just like bats or birds. The assumption was founded on the discovery of pterodactyl embryos in China. The said fossils had underdeveloped wings. The scientists compared the prehistoric embryos to the early development stages of crocodiles and birds. They found out that the pterodactyl embryos were still at the early stages of their development inside their eggs.

The scientists also established that since the pterodactyls started to fly right after they hatched, the flaplings had the opportunity to develop their flying ability and wingspans, much larger than the wings of modern birds or bats.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190612092945.htm