Re: Quetzalcoatlus may have lived like a giant stork

[Michael Habib <mhabib5@jhmi.edu>]

> > Morphological details include a jaw shape that was long but lacked 
> > adaptations suitable for skimming, and proportionately longer legs 
> > and shorter wings (implying that they walked on the ground more than 
> > other pterodactyloids and were less specialized for spending a very 
> > long time in the air). I don't know that much about pterosaurs, but I 
> > find his argument very compelling. It's worth reading despite the 
> > technical jargon.

Darren is a quite a knowledgeable individual, but I do note that longer 
legs and shorter wings do not necessarily imply lessened aerial 
ability.  The reduced span does subtract a bit from gliding efficiency, 
but reducing the distal wing also reduces wing inertia a great deal 
(which improves flapping ability).  Figuring out which scenario is 
driving distal wing reduction requires looking at the morphology and 
mechanics of the rest of the animal, and azhdarchids have a range of 
characteristics that would increase flapping capacity (at least in 
bursts).  Thus, Quetzalcoatlus and relatives come across to me as 
species adapted to powerful bursts of propulsion, combined with rapid 
soaring dynamics (see Jim's post for more details).  They may also have 
been adept on the ground; the lengthened hindlimbs wouldn't hurt in 
that regard.

Cheers,

--Mike H.