What was the approximate maximum wingspan estimated for Pelagornis sandersi?
Answer
7.4 meters (24 feet)
Estimates derived from the preserved wing bones, specifically the humerus and coracoid, place the wingspan of Pelagornis sandersi in a remarkable range, topping out around 7.4 meters, which equates to 24 feet. This dimension is significantly larger than that of modern large fliers, such as the wandering albatross, whose wingspan seldom exceeds 3.7 meters. The maximum potential size highlights the extreme scale this extinct avian achieved in its capacity for sustained flight, suggesting it could fly with wings nearly double the width of today's largest oceanic gliders.
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