Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Pterosaur Fossil Analysis Reveals Storm-Related Deaths, Ancient Life
Imagine ancient flying reptiles called pterosaurs, like giant bats, lived a long time ago.
Scientists found the remains of two baby pterosaurs.
They studied the bones and found signs of broken wings.
The scientists believe the pterosaurs died in a powerful storm, with strong winds breaking their wings and carrying them into a lagoon.
These special conditions in Germany helped preserve the skeletons.
This discovery is rare because pterosaur bones are very light and don't often survive.
These findings suggest that the fossil record might show us mostly the younger, smaller pterosaurs.
A new study examined the fossilized remains of baby pterosaurs.
The study suggests the baby pterosaurs may have died in a violent storm.
The fossils were found in Solnhofen, Germany.
The pterosaurs’ wings had slanted fractures on their humerus.
The fossil record may be biased towards younger pterosaurs.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of Leicester analyzed pterosaur fossils.
- What
- A post-mortem study revealed details about pterosaur lives, including how they died.
- When
- Fossils are from the Mesozoic era, approximately 150 million years ago.
- Where
- Fossils found in Solnhofen, Germany. Research conducted at the University of Leicester.
- Why
- To understand the lives and deaths of pterosaurs, and how they were preserved.
- Subject
- Pterosaur Fossils
- Study Focus
- Post-mortem analysis
- Pterosaur Nicknames
- Lucky, Lucky II
- Location of Fossils
- Solnhofen, Germany
- Time Period
- Mesozoic Era (150 million years ago)
- Cause of Death (Likely)
- Violent Storm
- Injury Observed
- Slanted Fracture to the humerus (wing bone)