The discussion centers on the flight capabilities of Quetzalcoatlus, a prehistoric pterosaur that some participants describe as weighing up to 500 pounds. Participants express surprise at the idea of such a heavy creature being able to fly, questioning the implications for physics and aerodynamics. The conversation includes references to historical studies, biomechanical models, and comparisons to modern aviation.
The discussion reveals multiple competing views regarding the flight capabilities of Quetzalcoatlus, with no consensus on whether it could achieve powered flight or if it was flightless. Participants express differing opinions on the implications of weight and design in relation to flight.
Participants reference various studies and models, indicating that the understanding of Quetzalcoatlus's flight dynamics is still evolving. There are unresolved debates regarding weight estimates and the methods of flight employed by large pterosaurs.
You should learn to post what you've read, a link at least when you ask such questions. Also a quick search wouldn't hurt.Apple_Mango said:
The nature of flight in Quetzalcoatlus and other giant azhdarchids was poorly understood until serious biomechanical studies were conducted in the 21st century. One early (1984) experiment by Paul MacCready used practical aerodynamics to test the flight of Quetzalcoatlus. MacCready constructed a model flying machine or ornithopter with a simple computer functioning as an autopilot. The model successfully flew with a combination of soaring and wing flapping;[17] however, the model was half scale based on a then-current weight estimate of around 80 kg (180 lb), far lower than more modern estimates of over 200 kg (440 lb).[18] The method of flight in these pterosaurs depends largely on weight, which has been controversial, and widely differing masses have been favored by different scientists. Some researchers have suggested that these animals employed slow, soaringflight, while others have concluded that their flight was fast and dynamic.[4] In 2010, Donald Henderson argued that the mass of Q. northropi had been underestimated, even the highest estimates, and that it was too massive to have achieved powered flight. He estimated it in his 2010 paper as 540 kg (1,190 lb). Henderson argued that it may have been flightless.[18]
Reconstructed skeleton
However, most other flight capability estimates have disagreed with Henderson's research, suggesting instead an animal superbly adapted to long-range, extended flight. In 2010, Mike Habib, a professor of biomechanics at Chatham University, and Mark Witton, a British paleontologist, undertook further investigation into the claims of flightlessness in large pterosaurs. After factoring wingspan, body weight, and aerodynamics, computer modelling led the two researchers to conclude that Q. northropi was capable of flight up to 130 km/h (80 mph) for 7 to 10 days at altitudes of 4,600 m (15,000 ft). Habib further suggested a maximum flight range of 13,000–19,000 km (8,000–12,000 mi) for Q. northropi.[19] Henderson's work was also further criticized by Witton and Habib in another study, who pointed out that although Henderson used excellent mass estimations, they were based on outdated pterosaur models, which caused Henderson's mass estimations to be more than double what Habib used in his estimations, and that anatomical study of Q. northropi and other large pterosaur forelimbs show a higher degree of robustness than would be expected if they were purely quadrupedal.[6] This study proposed that large pterosaurs most likely utilized a short burst of powered flight in order to then transition to thermal soaring.
I find the article too hard to read.Bandersnatch said:
I had always assume birds had to be light to fly. I wasn't sure such an heavy animal can fly. Airplanes on the other hand are the product of advance technology.jedishrfu said:
The structures of birds, that evolved over millions of years, are way more complex than the "advanced technology" of modern airplanes.Apple_Mango said:
Apple_Mango said:
