Re: Feather Flap

[jrc <jrccea@bellsouth.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Marjanovic" <david.marjanovic@gmx.at>
To: "DML" <dinosaur@usc.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 4:38 AM
Subject: Re: Feather Flap


> > but I don't see any reason to assume that you have to be specialized
> > for arboreality in order to be an effective glider.
>
> No, but if you're not already arboreal, what point is there in gliding?

A lot.  There are several uses for gliding ability that can be handy on or 
near the ground.
> > This is not true for all arboreal gliders.  Some gliding amphibians have 
> > flaps on the distal limbs, such as "flying frogs" (_Rhacophorus_ spp.) 
> > which have huge webbed feet for gliding.
>
> Parachuting.

Parachuting can eventually lead to gliding, though it may not be the most 
efficient way to get there.
> > The "flying geckoes" (_Ptychozoon_ spp.)
> > have gliding surfaces on the abdomen and feet that are not confluent.
>
> Parachuting again.

See above.