Bird Biology Flashcards
How many species of birds are there?
There about 9,000 species of birds that are categorized into 27 orders
What is the class name for birds? What does it mean in Latin?
The class name for the birds. Is called the “class aves”. In Latin the word”aves” or “Avis” means bird, deriving from or relating to birds
How many orders are there of birds?
27 orders
What does morphological mean?
Morphological means the study dealing with the form and structure of organisms
What are the 4 morphological evidence that separate birds into different orders and families?
The 4 morphological evidence that separate birds into different orders and families is there beaks,feet,plumage,bone structure, and musculature
What are other ways that scientist classify birds into orders and families
Their behavior and song
Define phylogenetic
Means the development or evolution of a particular group or organisms
What are 3 phylogenetic evidences that scientists use to classify birds into orders and families
Are the analysis of birds blood protein, chromosomes, and DNA
Define avian. What is the Latin meaning?
Definition means relating or deriving from birds. He Latin meaning avian comes from the Latin word Avis meaning bird
Summarize /. List 8 characteristics that distinguish birds pfrom other vertebrates
- body is covered in feathers
- bones are thin and hollow
- birds use their forelimbs as wings/ for flight not grasping
- birds hind limbs with clawed toes support the body
- toothless horny beak
- birds body temp is generated and regulated internally
- have a four chambered heart has a single right aortic arch.
- birds amniotic eggs are encased in hard, calcium-contains shells
- Birds incubate their eyes in nest
Define distinguish. What is the Latin meaning for this word
definition= means to able to tell the difference between two things. The Latin meaning for this word comes from the Latin word distinguere meaning to separate between
What is the function of each feather
Down feather= keeps the bird warm by insultion
Contour feathers= helps the bird to fly smoother gives the bird its shape, extra insulation, coloration, protection
Flight feathers= helps the birds to fly because of its structure. Gives lift to flight
Why is the oil gland so important to the bird?
The oil gland is important to the birds because it protects the bird’s feathers fro, getting wet or damaged
Why is the ability to molt so important to a bird
It is important to molt because it replaces damaged or worn out feathers and also I keeps them looking and in top flying condition
Why do birds fluff out their feathers?
Birds fluff out their feathers because by fluffing out their feathers they trap tiny air pockets to hold in body heat and keep out the cold
What are two benefits of being able to fly
Two benefits of being able to fly is by being able to fly you can colonize new territories. Also you can adapt to new terrains, climate, for sources, and other conditions
What are the functions of feathers
Providing lift
Conserving body heat
Why is a flexible neck important to a bird
Birds cannot use their forelimbs for grasping things. Flexibility enables them use its beak for feeding,preening, building nest,and performing other activities. While the neck is flexible The bones in the trunk is fused which provides maximum support of the body during flight
Why is a flexible tail important to a bird?
Provides additional lift and helps them steer and brake
Why is it important that the bones are fused
Provides maximum support during flight
Makes a sturdy frame supports the powerful breast muscles and leg muscles while moving
Of what importance is the greatly enlarged sternum
Supports and holds everything together
Supports the wings and breast muscles and pectoral girdle and sternum
Why do think that 50% of the birds body weight is made up of its flight muscles
Because birds require a large amount of strength and muscles to fly. They are very light too so it take up most of their body.
What are two main differences between bones of birds from the bones of reptiles or mammals?
Two main differences between the bones of birds from the bones of reptiles and mammals is birds bones are thin and hollow. Birds bones are fused to make a more rigid skeleton
Why do birds consume large amounts of food
High rate of metabolism, to maintain a constant boost during temp and tremendous muscle exertion
