Ancient Pterosaur Family Meal Uncovered After 150 Million Years

Pterosaurs, emblematic flying reptiles of the Jurassic, have long sparked complex debates about their classification and evolution. These fascinating creatures, whose first fossils were discovered in Germany almost 250 years ago, have played a key role in understanding prehistoric diversity.

Yet their taxonomy, particularly that of Pterodactylus antiquus, has often been questioned, hindering research into their lifestyle and ecological interactions. A recent study carried out by paleontologists from the University of Leicester, published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, helped to shed light on these ambiguities. Using modern techniques such as UV fluorescence, researchers have identified nearly 50 hidden specimens, offering a unique insight into the evolution of these flying reptiles and their role in Jurassic ecosystems.

A taxonomic confusion finally resolved

In 1784, the discovery of Pterodactylus antiquus in the limestones of Bavaria marked a turning point in paleontology. It indeed reveals the first clues about flying reptiles from the Jurassic. However, since this first description, fossils from the same geological formations have often been wrongly attributed to other species. And in particular Diopecephalus kochidue to superficial similarities or lack of detailed anatomical data. These taxonomic errors, fueled by centuries of sometimes contradictory research, have obscured the understanding of pterosaur evolution. It is this confusion that University of Leicester researchers Robert Smyth and David Unwin sought to resolve. They precisely examined the bone features of the fossils. In particular the morphology of the skulls, wings and legs, has led to the reattribution of numerous specimens to Pterodactylus antiquus.

UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen features preserved soft tissues, including delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce brightly under UV lighting. © University of Leicester

This advance made it possible to clarify the unique features of Pterodactylus antiquusdefinitively distinguishing it from its supposed close species. The researchers identified significant differences in tooth structure, cranial crest shape and limb proportions, crucial for distinguishing species.

An anatomy revisited thanks to new technologies

To resolve the taxonomic ambiguities surrounding Pterodactylus antiquusresearchers from the University of Leicester therefore used UV fluorescence. By shining powerful UV lights on the fossilized bones, they revealed structures invisible to the naked eye under conventional light, such as wing membranes or cranial crests. This method was applied to more than forty specimens from European museums, allowing analysis of limb bone proportions, skull shapes and soft tissue impressions. Thanks to these observations, the researchers were able to reconstruct complete growth stages, ranging from sparrow-sized flaplings to adults with wingspans exceeding one meter.

Growth stages of Pterodactylus. © University of Leicester

The results highlighted a unique characteristic of Pterodactylus : the ability to fly from a very young age. This differs from modern birds which must wait for complete development before taking flight. This ability is based on specific adaptations of their morphology, such as wings that are already functional upon hatching. This trait likely played a major role in their survival, allowing them to quickly escape predators and actively search for food in a competitive environment.

The importance of taxonomic distinctions in pterosaurs

In addition, the study made it possible to establish precise distinctions between Pterodactylus antiquus And Diopecephalus kochi. These two species are often confused due to similar morphological traits. The analyzes carried out by the researchers show that P. antiquus is characterized by an elongated and thin skull. They have more numerous and longer teeth, linked to their diet. On the other hand, D.kochi exhibits more primitive features, such as a shorter skull and wider teeth at the base. They recall ancestral characteristics typical of less evolved species from the Jurassic. These distinctions, once difficult to observe, now provide clear criteria for differentiating these two species. This reinforces the stability of their taxonomic classification.

Skulls of Diopecephalus kochi (A, C, E, G) and Pterodactylus antiquus (B, D, F, H). © Robert SH Smyth et al., 2024

These discoveries therefore have major implications for understanding the evolution of pterosaurs. Building on this new data, analysis of fossils from the limestone layers of Solnhofen, a region famous for its exceptional conservation, revealed key steps in their evolution. These flying reptiles remain among the first to have fully mastered active flight. The evolutionary stages identified (optimization of wings and cranial crests for aerodynamics) reveal the adaptation of these species to varied ecological niches. This differentiation also underlines the complexity of their evolutionary radiation in the Jurassic. By establishing clear distinctions between P. antiquus And D.kochiresearchers have clarified centuries of confusion and our understanding of pterosaur evolution and ecology.

A window into the evolution and prehistoric biodiversity of pterosaurs

The new data obtained on Pterodactylus therefore reveal its crucial role in Jurassic ecosystems. As an opportunistic predator, Pterodactylus occupied an intermediate position in the food chain. It fed on small vertebrates, insects or aquatic prey adapted to its fine and specialized teeth. This ability to adapt illustrates the ecological agility of these pterosaurs. They evolved to maximize their success in an environment where predation pressures and limited resources required diversified strategies. This enriched portrait highlights complex dynamics within Jurassic ecosystems.

The methodological approach adopted in this study also opens new perspectives for paleontology. Modern techniques now make it possible to revisit poorly classified fossils and reveal crucial details, hitherto ignored. This ability to reassess fossil collections could transform our understanding of other extinct species. This will undoubtedly enrich the stories about evolution and prehistoric biodiversity. Ultimately, this progress invites us, on the one hand, to rethink the way in which we reconstruct ancient ecosystems. On the other hand, they question us about the lessons offered regarding the resilience and adaptation of species in the face of a world in constant change.

Source: Robert SH Smyth et al., “Re-evaluation of Pterodactylus antiquus and Diopecephalus kochi: two disordered taxonomic concepts”, Journal of Systematic Palaeontology (2024).