Development of a Kinematic Model of a Proto-Wing

Since the discovery of Archaeopteryx, various theories have been suggested to explain the evolutionary link between reptilian dinosaurs and avian species and therefore the evolution of flight. Often these theories focus on the potential use for early wings, which are not yet developed enough for flight. Understanding the purpose of these ‘proto-wings’ is considered key to revealing the driving force behind avian evolution. A computerised, musculoskeletal model of a proto-wing was developed and used to analyse a simplified motion that is theoretically typical of proto-wings. Through biomechanical analysis we can infer if this could be feasibly made, what forces are significant in making such a motion and how kinematically and kinetically sound the simulation is. As such, the proto-wing model is a significant analytical tool for understanding pre-flight kinematics.