Did Pterosaurs Feed by Skimming? Physical Modelling and Anatomical Evaluation of an Unusual Feeding Method
2007
Did Pterosaurs Feed by Skimming?
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Stuart Humphries
Hypothesis
Can pterosaurs feed like modern-day skimmers?
Conclusion
Pterosaurs likely could not meet the energy requirements for skimming, a feeding strategy used by some modern birds.
Supporting Evidence
- Pterosaurs experienced nearly ten times as much drag as modern skimmers during skimming experiments.
- Skimming is energetically costly for both pterosaurs and modern skimmers, but pterosaurs likely lacked the metabolic power to sustain it.
- Modern skimmers have adaptations to withstand hydrodynamic forces that pterosaurs did not possess.
Takeaway
The study found that ancient flying reptiles called pterosaurs probably couldn't feed by skimming like some birds do because it would take too much energy.
Methodology
The researchers used life-size models of pterosaur and skimmer jaws in hydrodynamic experiments to measure drag forces.
Limitations
The study relies on models and assumptions about pterosaur anatomy and energy costs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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