Ideas worth spreading

How a fly flies

1,926,361 views |

Michael Dickinson |

TEDxCaltech

• January 2013

An insect's ability to fly is one of the greatest feats of evolution. Michael Dickinson looks at how a fruit fly takes flight with such delicate wings, thanks to a clever flapping motion and flight muscles that are both powerful and nimble. But the secret ingredient: the incredible fly brain.

An insect's ability to fly is one of the greatest feats of evolution. Michael Dickinson looks at how a fruit fly takes flight with such delicate wings, thanks to a clever flapping motion and flight muscles that are both powerful and nimble. But the secret ingredient: the incredible fly brain.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxCaltech, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Michael Dickinson

Michael Dickinson

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Most people are irritated by the buzzing of a fly's wings. But biologist Michael Dickinson views the sound with a deep sense of wonder.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxCaltech, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.