Final answer:
The curved upper surface of an aerofoil is critical in generating lift due to Bernoulli's principle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The curved upper surface of an aerofoil, whether on the wing of an airplane or a bird, is critical in generating lift. The shape of the aerofoil creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces, resulting in lift. This is due to Bernoulli's principle, which states that as the speed of a fluid (in this case, air) increases, its pressure decreases.