Re: Campbell's even crazier than a MANIAC? (archeopteryx climbing)

[jrc <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Marjanovic" <david.marjanovic@gmx.at>
To: "DML" <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 8:03 AM
Subject: Re: Campbell's even crazier than a MANIAC? (archeopteryx climbing)


> The wings, at least, may well have become large enough for flight long 
> before flight started. That's because the wing feathers of birds may well 
> have evolved for brooding and/or display rather than any aerodynamic 
> function.

And, we might keep in mind that once the wings are large enough to support 
roughly about 1/4 the weight of the animal at its normal rate of travel 
(whether achieved by running or leaping), then transient gusts will often 
provide enough excess lift force to get the animal well clear of the ground. 
Once that happens, the animal can achieve significant horizontal velocities 
and cover a respectable distance  on the way back to the ground.  Mobility 
is greatly enhanced.
JimC