Shape of bird wings depends on ancestors more than flight style

In a finding that could change the way scientists think about bird evolution, researchers have found that the shape of bird wings is influenced more by how closely related species are to one another than by flight style.The research challenges scientific beliefs that assume the way a bird species flies — whether it primarily dives, glides or flaps, for instance — plays the primary role in the evolution of its wing shape.
Paleontology News — ScienceDaily