"We have constructed a computational musculoskeletal model of a 5 m wingspan ornithocheiraean pterosaur"
Take-off is a vital part of powered flight which likely constrains the size of birds, yet extinct pterosaurs are known to have reached far larger sizes. Three different hypothesised take-off motions (bipedal burst launching, bipedal countermotion launching, and quadrupedal launching) have been proposed as explanations for how pterosaurs became airborne and circumvented this proposed morphological limit.
In the Press
Giant prehistoric flying reptile took off using similar method to bats, study finds
Giant prehistoric flying reptile took off using similar method to bats, study finds
Giant prehistoric flying reptile took off using similar method to bats, study finds
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Pterosaurs Used All Four Limbs to Propel Themselves in Air, New Study Suggests
How pterosaurs managed to take flight despite far larger sizes
Giant prehistoric flying reptile took off using similar method to bats, study finds
Science Daily
“Larger animals have greater challenges to overcome in order to fly making the ability of animals as large as pterosaurs to do so especially fascinating. Unlike birds which mainly rely on their hindlimbs, our models indicate that pterosaurs were more likely to rely on all four of their limbs to propel themselves into the air.”
Dr Ben Griffin
For All Readers - AI Explainer
What is the main objective of the research on the take-off mechanisms of ornithocheiraean pterosaurs?
The main objective of the research is to understand the take-off mechanisms of ornithocheiraean pterosaurs by constructing a computational musculoskeletal model. This model helps in estimating muscle moment arms during three different hypothesized take-off motions: bipedal burst launching, bipedal countermotion launching, and quadrupedal launching.
Why is take-off considered a critical part of powered flight for large flying animals?
Take-off is critical because it likely constrains the size of flying animals. The ability to become airborne is challenging and requires significant muscle power and coordination, which can limit the maximum size that birds and other flying animals can achieve.
What are the three hypothesized take-off motions for pterosaurs that the study investigates?
The three hypothesized take-off motions investigated are:
- Bipedal burst launching.
- Bipedal countermotion launching.
- Quadrupedal launching.
How did the researchers construct their model to study the take-off motions of pterosaurs?
The researchers constructed a computational musculoskeletal model of a 5-meter wingspan ornithocheiraean pterosaur. They reconstructed thirty-four key muscles to estimate the muscle moment arms throughout the three hypothesized take-off motions. They also constrained hypothetical kinematic sequences for bipedal and quadrupedal take-off motions based on the range of motion seen in extant flying vertebrates.
What did the simulations reveal about the muscle moment arms in bipedal and quadrupedal take-off motions?
The simulations did not find higher hindlimb moment arms for bipedal take-off motions nor noticeably higher forelimb moment arms for quadrupedal take-off motions. However, the muscles used in quadrupedal take-off had the largest total launch-applicable moment arms throughout the entire take-off sequence and for the take-off pose.
What does the finding of larger moment arms in quadrupedal take-off indicate?
The finding of larger moment arms in quadrupedal take-off suggests that pterosaurs potentially had higher leverage during take-off when using a quadrupedal motion compared to bipedal motions. This higher leverage could make quadrupedal take-off a more efficient and feasible method for these large flying reptiles.
What further examination is suggested by the study in relation to muscle forces?
The study suggests that further examination of muscle forces is needed to fully understand the potential advantages of the quadrupedal take-off. While the moment arms provide insights into leverage, the actual muscle forces are critical to confirming the effectiveness of this take-off method.
How did the researchers ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their simulations?
The researchers used a Monte Carlo approach to calculate the summed directional moment arms and associated estimation errors, which they then plotted against the launch kinematics. They included the entire kinematic sequence of each take-off, even if certain limbs were not fully utilized during specific phases, to provide a comprehensive analysis.
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