Which aerodynamic mechanism allows soaring birds to efficiently gain altitude in rising air columns known as thermals?

💡 Explanation

In soaring, energy transfer from surrounding air occurs as the bird contours within the thermal's pressure and velocity gradients, extracting and converting upward momentum into increased altitude because of wind shear effects on the rising air mass. Therefore, utilizing updrafts results, rather than boundary layers, drag control, or induced drag requiring alternative manipulations.

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