Key Takeaways
- Archaeopteryx, the first known bird, used its strong legs and a series of leaps for take-off, rather than a single jump.
- The study reveals that it could achieve flight speeds of seven meters per second using two or three bipedal leaps.
- Findings emphasize that about 90% of the take-off force in birds originates from their legs, not wings.
Ancient Flight Mechanics of Archaeopteryx
A recent study from the University of Southampton sheds light on the flight mechanics of Archaeopteryx, the first known bird that existed approximately 150 million years ago. This creature represents a crucial evolutionary link between non-avian dinosaurs and modern birds and has sparked debate on how it achieved flight for over a century.
Unlike modern birds that typically take off with a single powerful leap, Archaeopteryx had limited shoulder mobility and lacked a breastbone, making it unable to achieve flight in the same manner. Researchers, including palaeobiologist Dr. Neil Gostling, describe Archaeopteryx as a primitive bird with feathers and wings, but still possessing distinctly dinosaurian features like a long tail and clawed fingers.
The new research tackled the question of how this early bird managed to launch itself into the air. Mark Heller, a professor of biomechanics at the University of Southampton, noted that since Archaeopteryx couldn’t rely on its wings for take-off, the team focused on its leg strength. Their findings suggest that take-off primarily depended on the legs generating force, which would then allow the wings to facilitate flight.
Over the years, several hypotheses have emerged regarding how early birds might have taken off, including flapping while running uphill or gliding from elevated positions. These hypotheses often proved difficult to validate, but using advanced computer modeling alongside observations of modern birds, such as gulls and crows, the research team analyzed the anatomical features and joint mechanics of Archaeopteryx. They computed the bird’s take-off velocity by studying the hip, knee, and ankle joint movements and assessing muscle capacity.
The researchers—led by Dr. Erik Meilak, former PhD researcher—concluded that Archaeopteryx could achieve a sustainable flight speed of seven meters per second after two or three jumps. For instance, it could leap twice and then flap its wings, or leap once, flap, and leap again—all while building up the necessary momentum.
Dr. Gostling further explained that this multi-leap technique, while less efficient than a single jump used by modern birds, is still present in various species today, such as crows and seagulls. These birds often employ multiple hops when they are startled or trying to conserve energy, much like their ancient ancestor.
The study’s findings provide important insights into the evolution of flight and are published in the journal Developmental Biology.
Source: University of Southampton
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