How Old Is Aerodactyl? Unraveling the Prehistoric Puzzle
Aerodactyl’s age is a multifaceted question that can be approached from both a fictional Pokémon perspective and a real-world paleontological angle. In the Pokémon universe, Aerodactyl is presented as an ancient creature revived from fossilized DNA, specifically from Old Amber. This puts its existence in the context of a long-extinct lineage, linked to the prehistoric eras of the Pokémon world. From the perspective of the creature inspired by Aerodactyl, the pterosaur Aerodactylus, its fossil record traces it back to the Late Jurassic period. So, the age of Aerodactyl can be traced back to the Late Jurassic period around 150.8–148.5 million years ago based on fossil records, while in the Pokémon world it is tied to a generic prehistoric past where it is brought back to life using science.
The Fictional Origins of Aerodactyl
Aerodactyl in the Pokémon Universe
In the Pokémon franchise, Aerodactyl is a dual-type Rock/Flying Fossil Pokémon first introduced in Generation I. It is revived from the Old Amber, a fossilized piece of resin containing ancient DNA. The game does not specify a precise timeframe, but it’s heavily implied that Aerodactyl existed during a prehistoric age alongside other ancient Pokémon, such as Kabuto and Omanyte. However, the in-game lore doesn’t tie Aerodactyl to a specific point in the timeline the same way that its real-world inspiration is linked to the Late Jurassic period. Rather, it is presented as a creature of the long-ago past that is no longer present on earth.
The Extinction and Revival
According to the lore within the Pokémon world, Aerodactyl became extinct due to a meteor strike. However, their DNA was preserved in the Old Amber, allowing modern scientists to revive them through cloning. This brings forth the question of “how old” Aerodactyl is, as it’s not a continuous lineage in the Pokémon world, but an ancient species brought into a current era. Its existence is dependent on technology reviving them from fossilized remains.
Aerodactyl’s Real-World Counterpart: The Pterosaur Aerodactylus
The Inspiration Behind the Pokémon
The Pokémon Aerodactyl is clearly based on pterosaurs, which were flying reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era. Specifically, the paleontological inspiration is linked to the genus Aerodactylus, though the original Pokémon design takes some artistic liberties. Aerodactylus scolopaciceps was initially considered a species of Pterodactylus. Fossils of Aerodactylus have been found in the Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria, Germany, and they date back to the Late Jurassic period.
Dating the Aerodactylus Fossils
The geological layers where Aerodactylus fossils are found have been dated to the Tithonian stage of the Late Jurassic period, which is approximately 150.8 to 148.5 million years ago. This provides a more precise timeframe for the real-world analogue of Aerodactyl’s existence. So, from a geological perspective, the real-world counterpart of Aerodactyl is around 148 to 150 million years old.
The Naming Connection
Interestingly, the genus Aerodactylus was named in 2014, as a tribute to the Pokémon Aerodactyl. This demonstrates the influence of popular culture on paleontology, but more importantly it shows that despite being a fictional creation, the Pokémon design was close to the real-world discoveries that came later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Aerodactyl
What is the oldest fossil Pokémon?
The Pokémon Kabuto is said to have existed around 300 million years ago, making it one of the oldest known fossil Pokémon based on in-universe lore. This is much earlier than when Aerodactyl is suggested to have existed.
What animal is Aerodactyl based on?
Aerodactyl is based on pterosaurs, specifically the genus Aerodactylus. Pterosaurs were flying reptiles, not dinosaurs.
Is Aerodactyl a dinosaur?
No, Aerodactyl (both the Pokémon and its real-world inspiration Aerodactylus) is not a dinosaur. Pterosaurs, though they lived alongside dinosaurs, are a distinct group of reptiles.
Is Aerodactyl extinct?
In the Pokémon universe, Aerodactyl is considered extinct in the wild, with surviving specimens being cloned from ancient DNA. In the real world, Aerodactylus is also extinct.
Can Aerodactyl evolve?
No, Aerodactyl does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon. It does, however, have a Mega Evolution.
What are Aerodactyl’s weaknesses?
Mega Aerodactyl is weak against Electric, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Water-type attacks.
Is Aerodactyl a rare Pokémon?
Yes, Aerodactyl is considered rare in the Pokémon games. It requires the player to revive it from an Old Amber fossil.
Is shiny Aerodactyl pink or purple?
Shiny Aerodactyl is pink, with its wings taking on a rich midnight blue tone. The normal Aerodactyl is light gray with purple accents.
How is Aerodactyl obtained in the Pokemon games?
Aerodactyl is obtained by reviving the Old Amber at a Pokémon research lab. This item is often hidden in the game world, making access to Aerodactyl somewhat more challenging.
Why is Aerodactyl a Rock/Flying type?
As a fossil Pokémon that was revived, Aerodactyl is a Rock-type. The “Flying” classification is based on its pterosaur nature and abilities.
Is Aerodactyl a dragon?
While Aerodactyl appears dragon-like, it is not a Dragon-type Pokémon. This often leads to confusion since it is based on a dragon-like flying reptile.
Why isn’t Aerodactyl a Dragon type?
Pterosaurs are often viewed as predecessors to modern birds. Aerodactyl represents the evolution of Flying-types, while the Rock-typing represents its fossilized state. Also, the Dragon type is reserved for a specific classification in the Pokémon world, and just having a dragon-like appearance does not give a creature the Dragon-type.
How big is Aerodactyl in real life?
The Aerodactylus was relatively small, with a wingspan of around 1 meter. In contrast, the Aerodactyl in the Pokemon universe is about 1.8 meters tall with a 3.7-meter wingspan.
What are the best counters against Aerodactyl in Pokémon GO?
Good counters for Aerodactyl include Primal Kyogre, Shadow Metagross, Mega Swampert, Mega Diancie, Mega Blastoise, and Shadow Rhyperior.
Was Aerodactylus named after Aerodactyl the Pokemon?
Yes, the pterosaur genus Aerodactylus was named as a tribute to the Pokémon Aerodactyl, because of the resemblance in their features.
Conclusion
While the exact age of Aerodactyl in the Pokémon universe remains vague, we can deduce it as belonging to an ancient era in the Pokémon world. Through its real-world inspiration, the pterosaur Aerodactylus, we can pinpoint a more concrete age of around 150 million years, dating to the Late Jurassic Period. This blend of fictional lore and real-world paleontology enriches the character of Aerodactyl, making it a fascinating subject to explore for both Pokémon fans and science enthusiasts alike.