dcsimg
Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com)   cc-by-3.0

Plotopteridae is a family of birds. They rely on flight and lift powered swimming to move around.

show all records
  • URI: https://eol.org/schema/terms/lift_based_swimming
  • Definition: Hydrofoils, or fins, are used to push against the water to create a normal force to provide thrust, propelling the animal through water. The reduction of fin cross-sectional area helps to minimize drag, and therefore increase efficiency. Regardless of size of the animal, at any particular speed, maximum possible lift is proportional to (wing area) x (speed)<sup>2</sup>. Dolphins and whales have large, horizontal caudal hydrofoils, while many fish and sharks have vertical caudal hydrofoils.
show all records

EOL has data for 9 attributes, including:

Known occurrences, collected specimens and observations of Plotopteridae. View this species on GBIF
Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com)   cc-by-3.0

Plotopteridae Habitats

The environments in which many Plotopteridae species are known to live. Select an environment to see its Plotopteridae species checklist.

Plotopteridae Habitats

The environments in which many Plotopteridae species are known to live. Select an environment to see its Plotopteridae species checklist.