Re: [dinosaur] Archaeopteryx had active flapping flight ability based on wing bone geometry (free pdf)

[Ruben Safir <ruben@mrbrklyn.com>]

On 03/14/2018 10:03 AM, Mike Habib wrote:
> Running launch is an adaptation to water takeoff; it is a specialist form of 
> takeoff and is not typical of most birds. 
> 
> In most cases, terrestrial launch is initiated via leaping (ie it is hind 
> limb driven). The wings engage in a downstroke *after* toe off, exactly as 
> Tim noted.


That is today.  Our bird has been extinct for quite a while.  There is
no reason to derive Archaeopteryx's take off from modern birds.  In
fact, it is likely impossible.