References
Reference
Frey, Eberhard and Riess, Jürgen (1986) The evolution of underwater flight and the locomotion of plesiosaurs;
The evolution of underwater flight and the locomotion of plesiosaurs
Principal Author
Eberhard Frey
Other Authors
J�rgen Riess
Header
Not Known
Abstract
The evolutionary progression from rowing to underwater flight in tetrapods is discussed, and is illustrated with turtles and plesiosaurs as examples. A biomechanical analysis of the locomotor apparatus of plesiosaurs leads to the conclusion that these animals have two pairs of hydrofoils - a character unique among vertebrates - and that the upstroke is passive owing to the morphology of their girdles.
Language
English