Nature's Flyers

Birds, Insects, and the Biomechanics of Flight

Inbunden, Engelska, 2002

AvDavid E. Alexander,University of Kansas) Alexander, David E. (Assistant Professor,David E Alexander

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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.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2002-05-03
Mått152 x 229 x 29 mm
Vikt703 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor384
FörlagJohns Hopkins University Press
MedarbetareVogel,Steven
ISBN9780801867569

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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

Scientifically accurate, up-to-date, and highly accessible, Nature's Flyers will interest not only amateur and professional ornithologists, ecologists, evolutionary biologists, physiologists, and engineers, but also anyone who is curious about the effects of flight on the evolution and diversity of the natural world. Biology Digest Alexander achieves the difficult feat of explaining intrinsically complex phenomena without using mathematical or entomological jargon. As a result, the book is clear, beautifully written, and suitable for people at all levels... It introduces readers to some long-standing puzzles... How do some insects manage to fly nonstop over hundreds of miles? How do migrating birds find their way?... I recommend the book to anyone who is curious about flight. -- Z. Jane Wang Physics Today Alexander does an excellent job of keeping the amazement and appreciation alive while clearly explaining the complexities of flight in a manner accessible to anyone... a thoroughly enjoyable and informative book. Choice This is a fascinating book and would make a valuable addition to the school library. -- Peter Anderson School Science Review 2006