AI Insight
Scientists discovered that microbes played a dual role in fossilizing a pterosaur wingbone over 100 million years ago. The microorganisms initially destroyed the bone's internal structure through decomposition, but subsequently facilitated its preservation by creating conditions that allowed minerals to replace the organic material. This process reveals how bacterial activity can both degrade and ultimately preserve ancient biological specimens in the fossil record.
Why it matters
This research enhances our understanding of fossilization processes and how microbes influence what gets preserved in the fossil record. The findings could help paleontologists better interpret fossil specimens and predict where well-preserved fossils might be found.
More than 100 million years ago, a flying reptile called a pterosaur flew over the oceans hunting squid and fish.
Source: Microbes destroyed an ancient pterosaur's wingbone, then preserved it for 100 million years