
      Bird, Pterosaur, & Bat
          forelimbs as analogous Wing
          Structures
          
        
          Bird,
           Pterosaur, and Bat forelimbs are homologous as
          limb structures, with respect to the
          sequential relationship of humerus, radius, ulna,
        and digits as
            inherited independently from flightless ancestors.
          
          
              Forelimbs are analogous
            as flight structures, and have evolved
          independently in each group. The digits are arrayed in
          radically different patterns in the flight surfaces. The bird
          wing is supported by the entire forearm. The Pterosaur has a
          single Brachiopatagium extending from the 4th digit
          to the hindlimbs, whereas the Bat has a Dactylopatagium supported
          by the 2nd-5th digits, and a Plagiopatagium between
          the 5th digit and the hindlimbs. Pterosaurs and Bats both have
          a Propatagium extending from the wrist to the neck,
          but in the former it is supported by a novel bone.
       
      
      
Text © 2025 by Steven
        M. Carr