Why Do Most Mammals Don’t Fly?

 What is so inherently special about birds that they fly and we don’t? Some theories have alluded towards our genes, is there more to look into? In this blog, you will explore whether it is our genes that make us terrestrial?

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has pointed towards the fact that we might be “genetically grounded.” Are we? Well, through research, the Hebrew University has found out molecular causes that only selectively allow birds to fly but restrict other species to terrestrial domains. 

The ability to fly has only remained a subject of scientific speculation, if not only science fiction. It has captivated the imagination of many scientists, astronauts, designers, and adventure enthusiasts. However, our biological limitations have made it all but impossible to fly through the air. Of course, we do have the gift of intelligence, and we have utilized balloons and aircraft to take leverage of air superiority. 

Nevertheless, our body limits ourselves to earth, and we cannot fly in the air without the existence of an external propeller. Without helicopters, balloons, or aircraft, we could only see the stratosphere but never reach it. For centuries, scientists believed that it is the wings that make some creatures fly. But researchers have now found evidence that suggests that there are molecular attributes that make the birdy soar across the sky. Scientists now believe that these molecular attributes make structural changes in birds. And, these structural changes make birds flap their wings to achieve flight. 

The new finding has been credited to the latest study, “Science Advances,” published by Professor Avihu Klar. He works as a professor of medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He worked alongside Claudio Mello, who represented Oregon University. The duo did a study and found credence to suggest that there are specific molecular attributes in birds. And, these attributes form structural orientation and essentially make them what they are, i.e., from land mammals. 

Previous research had us believe that specific sets of DNA information around the spinal cord enable mammals to walk on land. And, certain information embedded in the spine of birds also gives them the ability to fly. Certain molecule designated as ephrin B3 is genetically different in birds than other mammals. This alteration in genetic coding was discovered after the duo patiently studied embryos of chicken and mice. 

The most primary difference, as far as genetics is concerned, is the fact that the molecule ephrin B3 looks altered in birds in such a way that either it looks mutated or even absent. This genetic difference then results in the ability of birds to fly and the ability of mammals to walk or crawl on the ground. The alteration is straightforward, but its implication is staggering.

The changes in the walking patterns of mammals can also be easily attributed to ephrin B3 mutations. The study has shown that rodents walk from one side to the other with their back and front limbs because of the presence of full molecules. On the other hand, mice have a jump in their steps from both sides, and that is due to a mutation in ephrin B3.

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