Biomechanical investigations on glider maniraptoriformes

Abstract

Many adaptations are necessary to a terrestrial cursorial animal to develop full flying ability. The capability of glide, even being energetically simpler, it still demands a series of morphological adaptations to develop sustainment generative structures and modifications in the corporal plane of the animal. This contribution explores aerodynamic and biomechanic characteristics of four Maniraptoriformes morphotypes with probable gliding capabilities: Microraptor, Yi, Ambopteryx and Archaeopteryx. The objective is to raise new parameters to the comprehension of the flight origin in avian amniotes. To this it was utilized virtual models, created from the respective fossils, and reconstructions proposed by the literature, besides new interpretations discussed here. This way it is proposed the probable evolutive context where emerged the membranous airfoils in Scansoriopterygidae.