Bird Biology Test Avian Characteristic Flashcards
Define Avian. What is the Latin meaning
Avian means of or relating to birds. In Latin it means anything related to a bird “Avis”
Summarize/list the 8 characteristics that distinguish birds from vertebrates
- Body is covered in feathers
- The bones are thin and hollow
- in most species the forelimbs function as wings used for flight
- the two hind limbs, with clawed toes, support the body
- toothless, horny beak is present
- body temperature is generated and regulated internally
- The four chambered heart has a single right aortic arch
- amniote eggs are encased in hard, calcium-containing shells.
Define distinguish. What is the Latin for this word?
Distinguish means to mark off as different. In Latin it means “distinguere” to separate between.
What is the function of a down feather?
Soft and fluffy that covers the whole body of nestling birds and provides an insulating undercoat in an adult bird.
What is the function of a contour feather?
Give adult birds their streamlined shape and provide coloration and additional insulation.
What is the functions of flight feathers?
Specialized contour feathers on wings and tail
Why is an oil gland important to a bird?
It’s important to a bird because their feathers need care, it’s a process called preening
Why is the ability to molt important to a bird?
It keeps them in good flying condition by replacing old worn feathers with new feathers.
Why do birds fluff out their feathers?
To trap tiny pockets of air to hold in body heat and to keep out the cold.
What are 2 benefits of being able to fly
- Birds can fly longer distances and more places that other animals can’t go to.
- Predators can’t reach them
What are the functions of feathers?
- Providing insulation of birds body temperature
- camouflage against predators, can easily blend into their surroundings because most birds don’t have bright colored feathers
