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
Jürgen 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