A sophisticated tensioning system was identified in the tails of early pterosaurs, which enabled these prehistoric creatures to navigate the skies during the dinosaur era. The long tails of these flying reptiles ended with vanes, thin leaf-like tissue structures, which were integral to their flight. Without stiffness, these vanes would have compromised flight efficiency, leading paleontologists to explore the structural mechanisms that kept them stable. The findings, backed by laser technology, offer new insights into the evolutionary traits of these creatures. Structural Findings in Tail Vanes According to the study published in eLife, the vanes of early pterosaurs were supported by criss-crossing fibres and tube-like structures. As reported by Live Science, researchers used laser-stimulated fluorescence to examine fossils, revealing the intricate internal structures of the vanes. These acted as a tensioning system akin to a ship’s sail, allowing the vanes to stiffen under wind pressure. Natalia Jagielska, now curator at Lyme Regis Museum, remarked that reconstructing such details from fossils millions of years old remains remarkable. Dual Purpose of Pterosaur Tails As per the researchers, …