Re: Phylogeny of Maniraptora

["Tim Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

James R. Cunningham <jrccea@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> I think its fair to say that passive gliding is far more aerdynamically
> challenging than active flapping.  Biomechanically, I agree with you.
> But evolutionary improvements in an early passive glider would appear to
> trend away from the improvements needed by an active flapper.


I've heard this argument before.  I was under the impression that the 
Norbergs (among others) had demonstrated that a glider could start flapping 
without being detrimental to gliding.



Tim

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