Developmental growth patterns of the filter-feeder pterosaur, Pterodaustro guiñazui

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Vertebrate Biology
• Paleoecology

Background:

• Life-history parameters, including growth and ontogenetic development, are poorly understood in pterosaurs due to a scarcity of complete ontogenetic series.
• The pterosaur Pterodaustro offers a unique opportunity for study, with hundreds of individuals spanning a wide range of sizes (0.3-2.5m wingspan) and even including an embryonic specimen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive osteohistological assessment of Pterodaustro skeletal elements across various ontogenetic stages.
• To gain unparalleled insight into the growth dynamics and life-history strategy of Pterodaustro.

Main Methods:

• Osteohistological analysis of multiple skeletal elements from Pterodaustro specimens of diverse ontogenetic sizes.
• Comparative analysis of bone microstructure to infer growth rates and developmental patterns.

Main Results:

• Pterodaustro juveniles exhibited rapid growth for approximately two years post-hatching, reaching about 53% of their mature body size.
• Sexual maturity was attained around this rapid growth phase, with continued, slower growth for an additional 3-4 years to reach larger adult sizes.
• Definitive evidence for a determinate growth strategy in Pterodaustro was established.

Conclusions:

• Pterodaustro possessed a determinate growth strategy, characterized by an initial rapid growth phase followed by a period of slower growth until reaching adult size.
• This study provides crucial insights into pterosaur ontogeny and life history, highlighting Pterodaustro as a key model for understanding these ancient flying reptiles.