69 Million-Year-Old Pterosaur Discovery in Afro-Arabia Redefines Flight Evolution

Paleontologists have uncovered two 69 million-year-old pterosaur fossils and it is revolutionizing our understanding of these incredible flying reptiles. Not only are these fossils among the most complete pterosaur remains ever discovered in Afro-Arabia, but they were preserved in 3D. One of the fossils is also a new species altogether! This find shed new light on the flight patterns of these colossal birds.

A Rare Look at Ancient Flight Mechanics

One of the most surprising aspects of these finds is how well the fossils have been preserved. Normally, pterosaur bones, being hollow, are extremely fragile and prone to being flattened like pancakes during fossilization. However, these fossils retained their three-dimensional structure. Which is an extremely rare occurrence for pterosaurs! Finally, scientists have the valuable opportunity to study their internal bones and potential flight mechanics in ways that are typically impossible.

Sturdy Coffin of Afro-Arabia

Afro-Arabia once connected Africa and the Arabian Peninsula but is now becoming a hotspot for paleontological discoveries. The region’s great geology creates a coffin that preserves ancient life forms in remarkable detail. Just as we can see with two large pterosaurs that were discovered in ancient nearshore environments of Afro-Arabia.

New Species Soaring into the Spotlight

The discovery of Inabtanin alarabia has particularly excited scientists. I mean who wouldn’t be excited by a completely new species to science? The name was inspired by the Tal Inab hill, a nearby geographical landmark, and “tannin,” the Arabic word for dragon, often used in pterosaur naming. This new pterosaur is one of the most complete fossils ever found in Afro-Arabia. Its relatively modest wingspan of 16 feet makes it a fascinating contrast to the much larger A. philadelphiae.

The Power of Superpowered X-rays

Researchers used CT scans, a cutting-edge technology, to see right through these extinct reptiles. By scanning the bones of Inabtanin alarabia and A. philadelphiae, they were able to analyze the internal structure of the pterosaurs’ skeletons. The scans revealed something especially surprising! Turns out these two species bought two completely different flight tickets. 

Flapping or Soaring: Two Very Different Flight Styles

Much like modern birds, not all pterosaurs used the same flight strategy. Inabtanin alarabia likely flapped its wings to stay airborne, much like many birds today. On the other hand, Arambourgiania philadelphiae had bone adaptations more suited to soaring, covering long distances with minimal effort. 

Prehistoric Vulture-like Flight

The massive A. philadelphiae, with its 33-foot wingspan, could probably cast a shadow over a whole beach. Its internal bone structure bore ridges that were unexpected and unlike anything seen in modern birds. Its soaring flight style was probably facilitated by this ridged bone structure, which allowed it to stay aloft for extended periods without much wing flapping. Although I think it would have dominated in modern-day Flappy Bird, its flight style was better suited to the wide open spaces.

Evolution or Sky Travel Tactics?

So this left me to wonder, did pterosaurs begin as flappers or soarers? Some researchers, like lead scientist Dr. Kierstin Rosenbach from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Michigan, suggest that flapping might be the “default” flight behavior for pterosaurs, as it is in modern birds and bats. However, soaring likely evolved later, in species that lived in environments where this style of flight would have been advantageous. While there is evidence for both flight styles in different groups of pterosaurs, it’s difficult to determine which came first. Before you make your guess in the comment section, let’s take a look at some more modern examples.

The Evolution of Flight in the Animal Kingdom

Looking at other flying vertebrates, like birds and bats, flapping is far more common than soaring. Even birds that are known for soaring, such as vultures, still technically need to flap their wings to take off and keep flying. So based on this pattern, our best guess is that flapping flight would have been the more common flight style among pterosaurs as well. But dinosaurs lived in different environments where survival pressures might’ve convinced certain pterosaurs to evolve to soar instead.

Navigating Different Skies

Some studies suggest flight behavior in pterosaurs was influenced by their surroundings, just as it is in modern birds. Inabtanin alarabia, with its more bird-like bone structure, may have lived in environments where flapping was necessary for survival. Areas with dense vegetation, for example, would require shorter flight ranges. Whereas A. philadelphiae, with its soaring adaptations, likely thrived in open oceanic or coastal environments where long-distance flying is more advantageous. But who’s to say, I mean humans haven’t adapted to have wings despite how advantageous that would be. Just imagine how quickly we could fly to work!

What’s Next for Pterosaur Research?

This discovery is just the beginning. With 3D fossil preservation providing such detailed insights into pterosaur anatomy, scientists could uncover even more information about how these flying giants lived. With CT scanning technology and future fossil finds just imagine what we’ll find out next! We might learn about their secret hideouts, what they ate for breakfast, and even how Pterosaurs socialized.

In Short

The discovery of Inabtanin alarabia and Arambourgiania philadelphiae has opened a new window into the prehistoric skies of Afro-Arabia. These fossils provide rare, three-dimensional glimpses of pterosaurs’ internal bone structures and flight adaptations. Whether flapping or soaring these fossils will continue to bring our dinosaur knowledge to new heights.