Tropical Storms Sealed Fate of Baby Pterosaurs

150 million years ago, a tropical storm led to the demise of a baby pterosaur. Despite its ability to fly, the storm's violent winds broke its wing bone, causing it to drown in a lagoon. Fossils reveal this tragic story from the ancient Tethys Ocean region.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 21-09-2025 10:25 IST | Created: 21-09-2025 10:25 IST
Tropical Storms Sealed Fate of Baby Pterosaurs
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In a fascinating discovery, scientists have pieced together the tragic fate of a baby pterosaur victimized by a powerful tropical storm around 150 million years ago. The event occurred over a chain of islands bordering the expansive Tethys Ocean, precursors to today's Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

The young pterosaur, although capable of flying at its tender age, faced insurmountable odds against the fierce winds. The storm's immense power snapped its humerus, the crucial upper arm bone that supported its wing structure, sending the creature spiraling into a lagoon.

Ultimately, the unfortunate reptile drowned and was enshrined in the muddy bottom, where its fossilized remains now tell the story of ancient weather patterns and the vulnerable lives of prehistoric flying reptiles.

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