Flying Squirrels Defy Evolution
by Owen Borville
June 25, 2020
Biology
The flying squirrel, found in the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia does not actually fly but glides from tree to tree by way of an extra parachute-like membrane located between its arms and legs called a patagium that can be stretched widely. Bats are the only known mammals to truly fly, but the flying squirrel can glide from tree to tree. The American versions are the smallest varieties at only up to 11 inches long, but the Asian flying squirrel can be up to three feet long. The flying squirrel will climb to the top of a tree or as high as possible and jump, opening and extending its extra membrane layer and gliding their way through the air to the next tree. Mainstream scientists would describe flying squirrels as an adaptation and evolution in action. However, a careful study of these animals reveals a uniquely designed and created animal that was given what it needed. How could their gliding membrane evolve? The ancestral squirrels would jump to their deaths before the membrane could evolve. In addition to their gliding membrane, their tail also provides stability in movement. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and people rarely see them, making them more unique than the common squirrel. Flying squirrels can make 180 degree turns while gliding. They have been observed gliding up to 300 feet at once but usually a glide is shorter (about 65 feet). They also have thick paws that provide a cushion during landing and claws for gripping the tree. Flying squirrels are omnivores, eating plants and insects. Some flying squirrels have fur that glows at night and further research has found that all American flying squirrels have been found to fluoresce at night, creating another unique feature that was part of its design. This feature definitely helps the flying squirrel avoid predators and communicate with other squirrels, along with navigation, but doesn't explain how it appeared in the first place.
by Owen Borville
June 25, 2020
Biology
The flying squirrel, found in the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia does not actually fly but glides from tree to tree by way of an extra parachute-like membrane located between its arms and legs called a patagium that can be stretched widely. Bats are the only known mammals to truly fly, but the flying squirrel can glide from tree to tree. The American versions are the smallest varieties at only up to 11 inches long, but the Asian flying squirrel can be up to three feet long. The flying squirrel will climb to the top of a tree or as high as possible and jump, opening and extending its extra membrane layer and gliding their way through the air to the next tree. Mainstream scientists would describe flying squirrels as an adaptation and evolution in action. However, a careful study of these animals reveals a uniquely designed and created animal that was given what it needed. How could their gliding membrane evolve? The ancestral squirrels would jump to their deaths before the membrane could evolve. In addition to their gliding membrane, their tail also provides stability in movement. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and people rarely see them, making them more unique than the common squirrel. Flying squirrels can make 180 degree turns while gliding. They have been observed gliding up to 300 feet at once but usually a glide is shorter (about 65 feet). They also have thick paws that provide a cushion during landing and claws for gripping the tree. Flying squirrels are omnivores, eating plants and insects. Some flying squirrels have fur that glows at night and further research has found that all American flying squirrels have been found to fluoresce at night, creating another unique feature that was part of its design. This feature definitely helps the flying squirrel avoid predators and communicate with other squirrels, along with navigation, but doesn't explain how it appeared in the first place.