Feathers of Archaeopteryx: Asymmetric Vanes Indicate Aerodynamic Function
Abstract
Vanes in the primary flight feathers of Archaeopteryx conform to the asymmetric pattern in modern flying birds. The asymmetry has aerodynamic functions and can be assumed to have evolved in the selective context of flight.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- March 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.203.4384.1021
- Bibcode:
- 1979Sci...203.1021F