Are there any biological obstacles prohibiting lighter-than-air organisms?

Asked Oct 20 '15 at 04:42

Active Oct 20 '15 at 04:42

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Why there are no organisms that use cavities filled with lighter-than air substances (e.g. hydrogen) to fly and remain in air?

Given that there are a lot of fish and algae that use similar cavities to float, it is surprising that no organism utilized the same mechanism to fly.

asked Oct 20 '15 at 04:42

Anixx

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I don't know of any organism that uses cavities soley to fly; birds have air sacs to help them fly, and very light bones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_sacs – Ro Siv Oct 20 '15 at 04:57
@Ro Siv what's the purpose of air sacs filled with normal air? It only worsens aerodynamics. – Anixx Oct 20 '15 at 07:05
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This tends to be a question like *If a trait would be advantageous to an organism, why hasn't it evolved?* – WYSIWYG Oct 20 '15 at 09:40
Because organisms would need to develop an electrolysis system or a steam refractory apparatus. Rather energy consuming. Better to flap some wings I reckon. – AliceD Oct 22 '15 at 02:43

Are there any biological obstacles prohibiting lighter-than-air organisms?

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