Feathered friends: Ostriches provide clues to dinosaur movement
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 - 21:35
in Physics & Chemistry
The flightless ostrich uses its wings as sophisticated air-rudders and braking aids when running at high speed and may provide valuable information about how its dinosaur ancestors used their feathered forelimbs to move more efficiently. A small leg muscle, if also present in dinosaurs may have reduced the energetic cost of carrying a heavy body.