Elizabeth Barrette (ysabetwordsmith) wrote,
Elizabeth Barrette
ysabetwordsmith
  • Mood: busy

The Dragon That Flies With Its Ribs

Tags: nature, wildlife
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  • 4 comments
christinaathena

christinaathena

April 24 2010, 07:13:49 UTC 11 years ago

I wonder if true flight could evolve from something like that? If so, it'd lead to a plausible 4-legged flying animal (although the pressure to reduce weight might still cause a loss of forelimbs)
ysabetwordsmith

Hmm...

ysabetwordsmith

April 24 2010, 14:22:43 UTC 11 years ago

I think it's possible. There are joints where the ribs touch the spine, which could be used to create up-and-down motion as well as lateral extension. Butterflies and some other insects have rigid wings. That might limit the size, though, keeping the weight low so that rigid wings could provide enough lift. In that context, the forelegs wouldn't be much of a hindrance, because tiny fliers can take advantage of updrafts and such -- they often behave like gliders with a propulsion option.