The fascinating flying reptiles called pterosaurs are in the news again.1 In a not-so-surprising development, paleontologists have discovered a pterosaur fossil that was found to have small stones (used in the gizzard to grind food) and plant microfossils at the stomach mass.2 This indicates the pterosaur ate vegetation, lending credibility to the creation model. According to evolutionist Eric Ralls, “The research [of Jiang et al.] provides direct evidence that at least one pterosaur species ate plants.”3
Indeed, the discovery reminds one of the creation week account in Genesis where all animals were given only “green herbs” for food (1:30). It fits the creation model that states at one time in Earth’s recent past people and all animals, including crocodiles, lions, T. rex, sharks, spiders, alligators, etc., were vegetarian.4 It is not known exactly when the transition to carnivorous and predatory behavior occurred, but we do know it happened after Adam and Eve sinned and did not involve evolution (Romans 5:12). As one creation scientist said, “No physical evolution was required to change herbivores to predators—it was merely a change in behavior.”5
During the study, phytoliths were also extracted from the stomach contents of the pterosaur fossil.2 Phytoliths are tiny siliceous (mineral) particles produced by plants that can remain in fossils, being highly resistant to decomposition. This is additional compelling physical evidence that the pterosaur ate plants.
The scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IVPP) used micro-computed laminography (micro-CL) to ensure that what they were seeing was actually preserved stomach contents of the pterosaur.
To exclude the possibility that these remains were preserved in this region as a result of the fossilization process, micro-computed laminography (micro-CL) was conducted. The result shows that these remains are positioned beneath some ribs and over some gastralia, confirming the interpretation that they are stomach contents preserved in situ [in the original place].2
Ralls stated, “We still do not know how often plant feeding occurred across pterosaurs. Future finds may show seasonal shifts, mixed diets, or age-based changes.”3 Clearly, however, this is a discovery that supports the creation model. Creation scientists predict that as paleontological investigation continues—like the increasing number of soft dinosaur tissue discoveries—scientists will continue to discover fossil animals that indicate a vegetarian or quasi-vegetarian diet.
References
- Thomas, B. Pterosaur Revolution Confirms Creation. Creation Science Update. Posted on ICR.org September 6, 2013.
- Jiang, S. et al. First Occurrence of Phytoliths in Pterosaurs—Evidence for Herbivory. ScienceDirect. Posted on sciencedirect.com October 15, 2025.
- Ralls, E. Ancient Fossil Proves Some Pterosaurs Preferred Eating Plants over Meat. Earth.com. Posted on earth.com November 12, 2025.
- Genesis 1:29–30.
* Dr. Sherwin is a science news writer at the Institute for Creation Research. He earned an M.A. in invertebrate zoology from the University of Northern Colorado and received an honorary doctorate of science from Pensacola Christian College.
