A comparative analysis using both independent contrasts (CAIC) and a species level analysis was used to investigate the allometric scaling of avian wing-bone lengths. Total arm (ta = humerus + ulna + manus) scaled with positive allometry as body mass(M)~(0.37-0.39). Similarly, and in accordance with previous studies, wing-span (b) was positively allometric, but CAIC suggested a lower allometric exponent (M~(0.35)) than found using species as independent data points (M ~(0.39)). Contrary to previousstudies, individual wing-bones appear to scale with similar exponents against M and scale isometrically with ta. In addition to a general trend for larger birds to have longer wings, wing-bones and te, their ta was a larger proportion of their b. A detailed study of primary feather length and elbow joint angle across a wide range of bird species and bird size, however, is required before a conclusive explanation for this increase in ta relative to b in larger birds can be established. Scaling equationsare presented that can be used to predict M, ta and b from individual wing-bone lengths, which may be of use to palaeontologists wishing to reconstruct whole animals from single bones.
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