New Pterosaur Discovery Sheds Light on Early Flight

Why in the news?

Paleontologists uncover a 100-million-year-old pterosaur species in Australia, offering insights into the evolution of powered flight in vertebrates, marking a significant paleontological discovery.

New Pterosaur Discovery Sheds Light on Early Flight

Discovery of a New Pterosaur Species:

  • Paleontologists in western Queensland, Australia, uncovered a 100-million-year-old fossil of a new pterosaur species.
  • Pterosaurs, flying reptiles of the Mesozoic Era (252.2–66 million years ago), were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight.
  • They belonged to the archosaur group, which includes birds and crocodiles, but were distinct from dinosaurs.

Adaptations and Evolution:

  • Pterosaurs developed a wing structure using a skin membrane stretched across their elongated fourth finger, similar to bat wings.
  • Early species had long, toothed jaws and tails, while later forms evolved shorter tails and toothless beaks.
  • Notable species like Quetzalcoatlus reached unprecedented sizes, becoming the largest flying vertebrates.
  • Evolutionary adaptations included long necks, throat pouches for fishing, and diverse ecological roles, showcasing convergent evolution with birds and bats.

Extinction and Legacy

  • Pterosaurs went extinct approximately 5 million years ago during the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event.
  • Their extinction allowed birds, which evolved from dinosaurs, to dominate the skies, continuing vertebrate flight’s evolutionary legacy.

About Pterosaurs:

  • Flourished during the Mesozoic Era (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous).
  • First vertebrates capable of powered flight.
  • Not dinosaurs, but part of the archosaur group, including birds and crocodiles.
  • Included the largest flying vertebrate, Quetzalcoatlus.

Features:

  • Wings formed by skin membrane connected to an elongated fourth finger.
  • Early species had long, toothed jaws and tails; later forms had reduced tails and toothless beaks.
  • Long necks, sometimes with throat pouches for fish-catching.

Extinction:

  • Extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period (65.5 million years ago).
  • Birds took over the skies after their extinction.

What is Convergent Evolution?

  • Convergent Evolution: When unrelated organisms evolve similar traits.
  • Occurs as solutions to similar environmental challenges or functions.
  • Results in matching body shapes, behaviors, color patterns, or abilities despite different evolutionary origins.

 

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times