Discovery of Tail Vane Function
Pterosaurs, the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, utilized large sail-like vanes at the ends of their tails for stability and steering, a discovery made using advanced laser technology.
These vanes, constructed from interwoven membranes, prevented tail fluttering and acted similarly to a ship's sail, aiding in aerodynamics and maneuverability.
Evolutionary Insights and Implications
The study, employing Laser Simulated Fluorescence on Rhamphorhynchus fossils, revealed the intricate internal structure of the tail vanes, previously unseen due to fossilization limits.
This research not only elucidates pterosaur flight mechanics but also hints at their potential use in display behaviors, like mate attraction, and provides insights into the evolutionary adaptation of flight in vertebrates.