Re: pteros have lift-off

[David Peters <davidpeters@att.net>]

> > Last question, how long of a run (in terms of # of footprints) --  
> > to  gain speed to load the forelimbs -- before the leap? Perhaps  
> > zero for  tiny pterosaurs, more for larger ones?
>
> Zero for the largest ones.
> JimC
Understood.

Then how about the second largest ones?

 I have a problem because in pteranodons, nyctosaurs and  
ornithocheirids the tiny fingers are far forward of the glenoid, so  
much so that the antebrachium is horizontal when terrestrial. Short  
legs add to the problem. Somehow, then, the fingers have to move  
behind the center of gravity so that the launch is in the anterior  
direction, following your need for a 30º launch trajectory.  I think  
we talked about this earlier and the need for a pole vault scenario  
(run followed by a hind limb leap) to shift the fingers below or  
behind the shoulder glenoid.

David Peters
davidpeters@att.net