Why Humans Can't Fly Like Birds By Flapping Our Hands

We have been bombarded with superhero movies where Superman and Thor bolt through the air at the speed of light. Kids and adolescents, who are in awe of these superheroes, often wish they could fly in the air like their favourite superheroes. If we delve deeper into the matter, if birds can flap their wings and fly in the air, what actually stops us humans from flapping our hands and taking off into the air? Someone on the social media platform Quora has asked whether humans can fly like birds in view of the increasing technology in today’s time

A woman responded to this query. She said that the muscles in the hands of humans are not as strong as those of birds. Birds have a keel bone that connects these powerful muscles that allow them to fly. Despite humans taking to the skies with aeroplanes, we can’t fly independently. As of right now, scientists have established that we will never be able to fly like birds due to mathematical constraints.

According to the Science World website and the website of America’s MIT School of Engineering, humans cannot fly like birds because the hands of humans can’t generate enough lift to overcome the force of gravity and lift us up. In fact, birds do not fly just because they have wings, feathers are a big factor, but the truth is that their light body, and hollow bones, help them fly. Birds have air sacs in their body which make their body light, thus they can fly easily in the air.

When they fly, their body shape helps to lessen air resistance. They have incredibly strong muscles. Additionally, birds’ lungs are made differently. It takes in a lot of oxygen, or essential air, with each breath. This keeps their muscles active for an extended period of time. Birds find it easier to gain altitude because of air trapped in their wings.