Birds Flashcards
What is the taxonomic class of birds?
Class Aves
What is the scientific study of birds called?
ornithology
List and explain the functions of feathers
- Insulation
- Coloration
- Shedding
Explain why birds change their plumage
- Varies within a species
- Shed regularly
- Feathers wear out
Explain the body temperature of birds, how they regulate it, and compare the body temperature of birds to amphibians and reptiles.
- Endothermic
- Homeothermic
- Can live in a wider variety of habitats
- Body temperature varies (102° – 112°), but
on average it is about 106°F.
How do birds reproduce and how are eggs and nests unique to different species?
- Birds have internal fertilization and are oviparous.
- Nests and eggs are species specific.
Define Endothermic
generate body heat from metabolism
Define homeothermic
they maintain a steady body temperature
Compare altricial and precocial birds.
- Altricial: Naked, blind, and helpless
- Precocial: Feathered, can see, and can feed themselves
Compare bird songs and calls.
- Songs: produced by males to attract mates and their territory.
- Calls: are short vocalizations that are produced by both sexes
What are calls used for?
danger warnings, calling to chicks, maintaining contact, etc.
Compare ratites and carinates.
- ratites: flightless birds
- carinates: flying birds
In a bird skeleton, what is a keel and what is it used for?
for muscle attachment
Why do birds migrate, and what is a typical pattern?
- For food.
- South for the winter.
- North for the summer
Explain what flyways are.
the specific route that birds take
Explain the benefit of air sacks in birds.
For more efficient breathing
Describe the bone structure
laced with air cavities; light yet strong
Describe the metabolism of birds
fast metabolism
Describe the heart of birds
4 chambered heart
Explain the expression “Form Fits Function.”
Just by looking at its form you can tell what the bird eats, where it lives, how it flies, etc.
What do birds use their beaks for? How does the form of a beak fit its function?
- Eat
- Defense
- Care fore feathers
- Build nests
What do birds use their feet for? How does the form of a foot fit its function?
- Defense
- Getting food
- Walking
- 3 or 4 toes (never 5)
What do birds use their wings and tail for?
- Flight
List and describe the “Four keys to identifying birds”.
- Color pattern
- shape and size
- behavior
- habitat