dongi hatchling compared to adult (C) Pterodaustro guinazui hatchling (D) P. Skeletal restorations of pterosaurs (hatchlings and adults) used in the study. Meanwhile, a ‘fly-late’ model suggests juveniles were not fight capable until 50 per cent of adult size, and a 'glide-early' model says young juveniles were fight-capable but only able to glide.ĭue to the rarity of fossilised pterosaur eggs and embryos, and difficulties distinguishing between hatchlings and small adults, it has been unclear if newly-hatched pterosaurs were able to fly. 'So pterosaur hatchlings, being hundreds of times smaller than their parents, were likely slower, more agile fliers than the wide-ranging (but less manoeuvrable) adults.'Ĭompeting views exist on the behaviour and lifestyle of pterosaurs during their first moments after birth, according to the team.Ī ‘flap-early’ view proposes that hatchlings were capable of independent life and fapping fight – a theory this study supports. 'Flight capabilities are strongly influenced by size and mass,' Dr Witton said.
However, the hatchlings would not have flown exactly like their parents simply because they were so much smaller. 'Their bones were strong enough to sustain flapping and take-off, and their wings were ideally shaped for powered – as opposed to gliding – flight.' 'We found that these tiny animals – with 25 cm wingspans and bodies that could neatly fit in your hand – were very strong, capable fliers. 'One discussion has centred around whether pterosaurs could fly as hatchlings or, like the vast majority of birds and bats, they had to grow a little before they could take wing. 'We’re still trying to understand the early stages of life in these animals,' he said. Study author Dr Mark Witton from the University of Portsmouth said scientists have only had fossils of their embryos and hatchlings to study since 2004.