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9780801880599 Academic Inspection Copy

Nature's Flyers

Birds, Insects, and the Biomechanics of Flight
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David E. Alexander's fascination with the many animals and plants that have harnessed the air is evident in Nature's Flyers: Birds, Insects, and the Biomechanics of Flight, a 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 wings and then moves progressively 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. With somewhat surprising answers, the author then 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. 67 line drawings and 30 halftones.


Contents:

Foreword, by Steven Vogel

Preface

ONE - Introduction

TWO - How Wings Work

THREE - Gliding and Soaring

FOUR - Flapping and Hovering

FIVE - Staying on Course and Changing Direction

SIX - Fueling Flight

SEVEN - Evolving Flyers

EIGHT - Migrating

NINE - Finding the Way

TEN - The Global Impact of Animal Flight

ELEVEN - Have the Birds and Bees Taught Us Anything Useful?

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

""This is a fascinating book and would make a valuable addition to the school library.""

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