How did the largest pterosaurs fly?

Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates that evolved powered flight, but it has long been debated whether the largest pterosaurs could fly at all.

Scientists were lucky to find in Jordan three-dimensionally preserved bones of two different large-bodied azhdarchoid pterosaur species. These rare fossils have enabled experts to hypothesize that not only could the largest pterosaurs take to the air, but their flight styles could differ too.

Newly collected bones of the already-known giant pterosaur, Arambourgiania philadelphiae, with 10-meter wingspan resemble wing bones of modern vultures, whose flight style is soaring (sustained powered flight requiring launch and maintenance flapping).

A new, smaller species Inabtanin alarabia with circa 5-meter wingspan had flight bones that are similar to those of modern flapping birds. it is likely that Inabtanin flew this way (although this does not preclude occasional use of other flight styles too).

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