Re: Hone and Benton 2007 (their second paper)

[Michael Habib <mhabib5@jhmi.edu>]

> > > However, in both cases, the vertical descent prior to reaching 
> > > cruising speed is quite short.  You can see it if you look for it, 
> > > however.  Like arboreal birds, a tree-dwelling pterosaur would not 
> > > require a gravity assisted launch, but it saves energy if you happen 
> > > to be at a high point already.
>
> I agree, but suspect that most pterosaurs launched from ground level.

I, too, suspect that most pterosaurs launched from ground level.  
However, some of the smaller, relatively basal forms (ie. 
"rhamphorynchoid" grade) like anurognathids may have had opportunity to 
launch from trees regularly.  Their size, planform, limb length, and 
habitat are all consistent with such a scenario.  I don't particularly 
imagine most pterodactyloids launching from trees, especially large 
species (the reasons for which were well addressed in your previous 
post...ie. very tall trees with just two convenient branches for Q. 
northropi).

Cheers,

--Mike H.