SCIENCE. LAB SCOOPS : A FLIER [2]

 

CHUNPENG XU, a scientist in China and the lead author of the new study, and his colleagues describe this evolutionary contest between gladiator and prey as an '' air race,'' and they posit that the conflict eventually improved ancient cicada diversity.

'' The rise of early birds influenced the aerial ecosystem during the late Mesozoic, especially the evolution of flying insects,'' he said.

Using the dimensions of the ancient cicadas wings, the researchers built a detailed evolutionary tree for the group that showed rounded, moth-like wings yielding to triangular top wings and reduced lower wings resembling those found on modern cicadas.

The change gave the species '' higher speed,  higher efficiency and greater maneuverability,''  Dr. Xu said, helping cicadas not only to outlast early airborne predators but to thrive in subsequent eons. [ Jack Tamisiea ]