The Origin of Flight--What Use is Half a Wing? | HHMI BioInteractive Video

Biologist Ken Dial's study of how young birds use their developing wings sheds light on the evolution of flight in birds.

At the University of Montana’s Flight Lab, Ken Dial has been researching the mechanics of bird flight. His experiments with young birds that are learning to fly provide new evidence for how flight might have evolved in a group of feathered theropod dinosaurs. Critics of evolutionary theory had asked Charles Darwin the question “what use is half a wing?” – in other words, what evolutionary advantage would a feathered limb, the precursor to a wing, provide? Dial’s research suggests an answer.

[Alyenbird]

You could also look at modern flightless, and almost-flightless birds for clues.
Many flightless birds, such as Ostriches, Rheas and Kagus use their wings for display - both to scare off threats, and to attract mates. The Kagus' highly patterned wings are the most colorful part of their otherwise drab grey bodies.
These species also use their wings to cover their eggs during incubation.
Tree-climbing Kakapo and Hoatzin chicks use their wings for clambering around and keeping their balance in densely forested habitat.
Adult Hoatzin and Kokako are both very very poor fliers. They mostly jump or climb to get around. If they have to cross a large gap though, they will glide.

[TalkBeliefs]

Absolutely fascinating and great work. Beautiful animation by Stated Clearly.

[reuireuiop]

"They cheated" That's exactly what those first fooled predators must've thought

[DM-qlps]

I've seen my chickens do these kind of things. Its a bit surprising how high up into trees and on top of buildings they can get if they want to. They technically can't fly but they use their wings to assist in jumping and running up steep slopes to get where they want to go.

[deeelmore]

vertical? you mean BIRDical

*gets stabbed*

[jasonhearttherth]

That falcon at the end is absolutely amazed about this video.

[mikebe]

and thus...the origins of spicey buffalo wings

[K.S.Khunkhao]

Incredible discovery. Incredible explanation. Incredible video. Nice work! :)

[BFDT-]

in nature, it's the survival long enough to successfully reproduce that counts. Not, the fittEST, just fit enough.

[derekbryceson]

Protection - Display - wall climbing - parachute - hanglider - flight.
That's the simplified version of feather evolution.

[rafaellucas]

Evolution is so amazing! Thank you for this work!

[MylotheZooLovingScientist]

Biointeractive’s videos are endlessly fascinating.

[southernsal]

I'm always late, but, this is awesome, and interesting. I'm noticing some interesting traits and characteristics in the birds in my area, and I'm enjoying watching them. Thanks for this.

[DarthCaedus]

Fantastic evolution content. Keep up the good work.

[marvinm.]

so instead of lifting them in the air, the wings are used like spoilers in a car, creating downforce and therefore more grip :D

[naverilllang]

Wow, a very insightful video. I feel like i learned something every minute of it.

[scottk]

I've been wanting to know the answer to this for years. Thank you. Bravo.

[WhoElseButZane]

irreducible complexity by its very definition is a failure to understand the simple fact that before it was used for flight it was used for something else. like duh.

[bryangabbard]

It has been a long time since I've seen something truly interesting. Thank you.

[amacuro]

When I saw that animation with the winged dinosaur clinging from the tree to hunt I was absolutely mind blown! It makes absolute perfect sense, you are a genius