Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Summer 2025
Abstract
Flight ability is a key feature to life history and development of species. Morphological traits such as wing shape and physiological traits such as muscle mass indicate evolutionary investment in distinct types of flight. The supracoracoideus and pectoralis major muscle are key for the power of flight particularly in takeoff within the avian forelimb module. Flight efficiency is linked to wing morphology. Wing aspect ratio, the relationship between wingspan and wing width is key for efficiency. Aspect ratio is measured by the hand-wing index (HWI) which is a composite of length of wing from carpal joint to longest primary feather and a secondary length from carpal joint to tip of secondary feather. A higher HWI is linked to greater dispersal ability in birds.
Recommended Citation
Cullen, Aidan and Wright, Natalie, "Associating Hand-Wing Index and Muscle Measurements to Understand Flight Ability in Birds" (2025). Kenyon Summer Science Scholars Program. Paper 798.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/summerscienceprogram/798
Rights Statement
