Re: solnhofen

[Graydon <graydon@dsl.ca>]

On Wed, Apr 25, 2001 at 01:01:05PM -0400, Dinogeorge@aol.com scripsit:
> In a message dated 4/25/01 11:45:05 AM EST,
> twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com writes:
> > Either way, the wingstroke was co-opted from the predatory stroke.
> 
> Nope. The predatory stroke was co-opted from the wingstroke. Where
> am I wrong?

1) whenever the first bird evolved, the wing stroke had to be
initially exapted from something; if that *isn't* a predatory grasping
stroke, what was it?

2) what part of a full, four phase wing beat *can* be co-opted as a
grasping predatory stroke?  The adaptations for flight more or less
force full extension of wings when used at or near full power; geese,
frex, do threat displays without fully extending their wings but when
they're trying to hit you with them have to fully extend them to
generate any power.

-- 
                           graydon@dsl.ca
               To maintain the end is to uphold the means.