How Insects' Ancestors Learned to Fly

Before they flew, winged insects had to learn to glide. Scientists say they've puzzled out the evolutionary path that gave insects wings, settling what had been a longstanding debate in the field. Using genetic techniques to peer back in time, researchers found that the winged insects of today once had stiff, fixed forewings used for descending.

"Winged insects... were the first group of animals to conquer the air and the evolution of insect wings can be considered as one of the most impo