class aves Flashcards
describe the vane in a feather
- supported by quill
- composed of barbs zipped together by barbules, making a tight seal
- waterproff
where are flight feathers located?
On the wings
what does a birds tail do?
support the bird when in flight and allow for steering
What do contour feathers do?
Protect and insulate the body
what do down feathers do?
Create air sacs that retain body heat, and provide in insulation
What are on the hind legs of birds
scales, claws
describe the horned beak / bill
- composed of keratin
- toothless
describe their bones
hollow, round, reduces body weight
why do they have rapid metabolism?
- endothermic
- active lifestyle
describe their respiratory system
- air sacs
- advanced lungs
describe the circulatory system
- 4 chambered heart
- no mixing of blood
-hemoglobin: increases oxygen
describe reproduction
females only have one ovary
- internal fertilization
- amniotic eggs
which systems are simplified
reproductive, digestive, excretory
describe the excretory system
no urinary bladder
- waste passes frequently from the cloacal opening shared by digestive tract
why is it important to have 4 chambered heart
Chambers separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood maximizing oxygen that is absorbed
