Which biomechanical mechanism MOST directly enhances long-distance thermal soaring performance in large soaring birds?

💡 Explanation

During thermal soaring, birds require minimal energy expenditure and reduced wing loading because decreased overall mass, achieved through pneumatized bones (air-filled), reduces the energy needed to gain altitude in rising air columns, enabling longer duration flights. Therefore lower body mass is the most direct enhancer of soaring, as the other options address processes unrelated to thermalling.

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