Forelimb motion and reciprocation mediate aerodynamic control in a gliding lizard
Gliding geckos actively use their forelimbs to alter body speed and to generate thrust, suggesting aerodynamic function for limb displacement and reciprocation in the absence of wings. Prior to the origin of the flapping of winglike structures, analogous forelimb motions (including symmetric reciprocation) may have thus provided biomechanical advantage in the evolution of volant vertebrates.
Authors
- Erik A. Sathe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7245-9900)
- Robert Dudley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3707-5682)
Institutions
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (PA)
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology (US)
- Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (US)
- University of California, Berkeley (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Ecology and Evolution
- Published
- 2025-11-06
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02419-2
- Primary Topic
- Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Directorate for Biological Sciences