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The Origin of Flight: What Use Is Half a Wing?

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Experimental Design

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:08:16
Saved By
9 Users
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Description

In this video, biologist Ken Dial demonstrates that birds use their wings for more than just flying, which may help us understand how dinosaurs used their small wing-like limbs before the evolution of flight.

Critics of evolutionary theory asked Charles Darwin “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. At the University of Montana’s Flight Lab, he has been researching the mechanics of bird flight and wing use. His experiments with young birds that have wings but still can’t fly provide a plausible hypothesis for the use of feathered limbs by flightless dinosaurs.

The video provides a clear example of the scientific process in action, and how the behaviors of modern species can provide insight into the behaviors of species known only from the fossil record.

The accompanying “Student Worksheet” incorporates concepts and information from the video.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Student Learning Targets

  • Learn about research practices.
  • Develop scientific explanations and justify claims using evidence.
  • Analyze and interpret data from a scientific experiment.

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period to complete the associated handouts.

Key Terms

adaptation, bird, co-option, dinosaur, exaptation, scientific methodology, scientific process, theropod

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria. Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 11.09.15
Date Updated 10.19.17

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-4; HS-LS4.C; SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.D; SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7, ELA.WHST.9-12.1
Math.S-IC.3; MP3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1; DP1, DP2

Materials

HD (M4V) 282 MB
HD (WMV) 248 MB
SD (M4V) 65 MB
SD (WMV) 67 MB
Transcript (PDF) 128 KB
Student Worksheet (PDF) 716 KB

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