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Racing Dinosaurs with Spoilers

Posted by michael on from the airdam-optional dept.

PhilHibbs writes "The BBC is reporting a new theory - dinosaurs flapped their proto-wings to generate downforce for added traction when running up-hill. Another one to add to the many theories of the evolution of flight."

2 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. Insect flight by lirkbald · · Score: 4, Interesting

    One proposal I've heard for the origins of insect wings is as heat collectors. What with all that surface area and the network of veins going through them, insect wings would make good solar collectors. That is, up until the wings got too big, and the heat dissipated before it could get back to the insect's body. But a study showed that just about the time they got too big to work as solar collectors, they'd be big enough to help with gliding.

    It's an interesting theory, but I doubt a similar course could apply to birds. Their wings are covered with feathers, which are mostly just dead skin, and probably wouldn't absorb heat well. Plus birds are warm-blooded, and would have less need for sunning themselves.

  2. The real question is... by Zelet · · Score: 4, Funny

    Did they have HUGE tail pipes and make loud vpppppt noises when they run?

    --
    ...And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me." - Martin Niemoeller (1892-1984)