What flight specialization, utilized by modern albatrosses, did immense **Pelagornithidae** birds primarily rely upon?
Answer
Dynamic soaring flight
The **Pelagornithidae** lineage included some of the largest flying birds ever known, possessing wingspans up to 5 to 6 meters. Their skeletal structure, particularly the shape of the humerus, indicates a flight strategy optimized for covering immense oceanic distances efficiently. This strategy is identified as **dynamic soaring**, a technique that involves utilizing ocean currents and wind gradients near the water surface to glide vast distances without constant energy expenditure, a behavior shared with extant albatross species.
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