Nature's flyers
Subtitle: birds, insects, and the biomechanics of flight
By: David E. Alexander ; foreword by Steven Vogel
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 2002
Place of publication: Baltimore
Language: eng
Number of pages: 358
ISBN-13: 9780801867569
Subjects: Flight; Vol; Biomechanica; Insecten; Vliegen (activiteit); Tiere; Animaux; Biomechanik; Vogels; Fliegen; Animal flight
Description: "David E. Alexander's fascination with the many animals and plants that have harnessed the air is evident in this detailed account of our current scientific understanding of the primary aspects of flight in nature. Instead of relying on elaborate mathematical equations, Alexander explains the physical basis of flight with sharp prose and clear diagrams. Drawing upon bats, birds, insects, pterosaurs, and even winged seeds, he details the basic operating principles of winds and then moves through more complex modes of animal flight, including gliding, flapping, and maneuvering. In addition to summarizing the latest thinking about flight's energy costs, Alexander presents a holistic view of flight and its ramifications as he explores the ecology and evolution of flying animals, addressing behaviorally important topics such as migration and navigation. The author concludes his study by examining the extent to which natural flight has been inspiring or instructive for the architects of human flight - airplane designers and engineers."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 329-346).
Table of contents: title: 1.; title: Introduction -- -- 2.; title: How wings work -- -- 3.; title: Gliding and soaring -- -- 4.; title: Flapping and hovering -- -- 5.; title: Staying on course and changing direction -- -- 6.; title: Fueling flight -- -- 7.; title: Evolving flyers -- -- 8.; title: Migrating -- -- 9.; title: Finding the way -- -- 10.; title: The global impact of animal flight -- -- 11.; title: Have the birds and bees taught us anything useful?