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Storms Preserved Rare Pterosaur Hatchlings, Reveal Fossil Mysteries

9/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Leicester examined two 150-million-year-old pterosaur hatchlings, named Lucky and Lucky II.
Both fossils exhibit similar humeral fractures, likely from strong winds during a storm.
The hatchlings drowned in storm waves and were quickly buried in sediments, preserving their remains.
This discovery clarifies why juvenile pterosaur fossils are common in Germany's Solnhofen Limestones.
Larger pterosaurs likely decomposed before fossilization, explaining the scarcity of adult specimens.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Leicester examined two 150-million-year-old pterosaur hatchlings, named Lucky and Lucky II.
Both fossils exhibit similar humeral fractures, likely from strong winds during a storm.
The hatchlings drowned in storm waves and were quickly buried in sediments, preserving their remains.
This discovery clarifies why juvenile pterosaur fossils are common in Germany's Solnhofen Limestones.
Larger pterosaurs likely decomposed before fossilization, explaining the scarcity of adult specimens.