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| Titel: |
A New Model for the Evolution of the Pterosaur Wing--with a twist |
| Auteur: |
Peters, David |
| Verschenen in: |
Historical biology |
| Paginering: | Jaargang 15 (2001) nr. 4 pagina's 277-301 |
| Jaar: |
2001 |
| Inhoud: |
A new hypothesis for the evolution of the pterosaur wing is presented. It is based on the observation that many aspects of pterosaur non-wing anatomy were present in their non-volant, prolacertiform sister taxa. In pterosaurs alone, metacarpal IV was twisted 90° medially, so the wing digit flexed in the plane of the metacarpus, rather than towards the palm as in other tetrapods. While grappling a tree using manual digits I-III, a pre-pterosaur with this character would have been free to flex and extend digit IV in the plane tangential to the circumference of the tree. The addition of a small dermal extension that opened like a Japanese fan would essentially have completed the development of the proto-wing. Its subsequent increase in size was brought on by selective competition. Successful powered flight would have been possible only after a critical wing size had been achieved. |
| Uitgever: |
Taylor & Francis |
| Bronbestand: |
Elektronische Wetenschappelijke Tijdschriften |
Details van artikel 6 van 79 gevonden artikelen
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