New soft tissue data of pterosaur tail vane reveals sophisticated, dynamic tensioning usage and expands its evolutionary origins

Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight. Early pterosaurs had long stiff tails with a mobile base that could shift their center of mass, potentially benefiting flight control. These tails ended in a tall, thin soft tissue vane that would compromise aerodynamic control and eff...

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Bibliographic Details

Published in:	eLife
Main Authors:	Natalia Jagielska, Thomas G Kaye, Michael B Habib, Tatsuya Hirasawa, Michael Pittman
Format:	Article
Language:	English
Published:	eLife Sciences Publications Ltd 2024-12-01
Subjects:	pterosaurs fossil soft tissue tail vane dynamic tensioning Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence
Online Access:	https://elifesciences.org/articles/100673