Avian Flight Adaptations

Question 1

Name 7 adaptations for avian flight:

Answer 1

1. S-shaped cervical spinal region
2. Pygostyle
3. Keel/carina
4. Ulna > radius
5. Clavicle and coracoids
6. Propatagium
7. Humeral air sacs

Question 2

S-shaped cervical vertebrae

Answer 2

Use of head/neck to shift COG while flying

Question 3

Pygostyle

Answer 3

Enlarged terminal vertebrae used as a rudder (steering) in birds that fly

Question 4

Keel/carina

Answer 4

Supports abdominal viscera and provides attachment for major flight muscles

Question 5

Clavicle and coracoids

Answer 5

Act as struts/springs holding wings away from midline, preventing the thorax from being crushed during wing beat

Question 6

Ulna > radius

Answer 6

Stronger, providing attachment for secondary flight feathers

Question 7

Propatagium

Answer 7

Wing membrane, which when acted upon be specialized wing muscles, can change conformation of wing in flight

Question 8

Pneumatic air spaces in humerus

Answer 8

Make bones lighter for flight