Lecture 2 & 3 - Avian Anatomy And Physiology Flashcards
(195 cards)
Define topography
The appearance of the animal - external structures
How many species of birds are in the world?
About 8500
Taxonomically, birds are placed in the class _______
Aves
What is the primary distinguishing feature of birds?
Feathers
How do birds birth their young
Lay eggs
Oviparous
What are the only other species that flies besides birds?
Bats
The dermis of birds is made of a thin flap of epithelial cells that produce keratin. What structures is this necessary for?
Outer sheath of break and claws
Feathers
The dermis is a thicker, fibrous connective tissue layer. What are the two main responsibilities of the dermis?
Storage for fat
Movement of muscles via smooth muscles (heat regulation)
True or false:
Birds have sweat glands
False
What is the uropygial gland, what does it do?
The preen gland
Found on the dorsal surface at the base of the tail feathers
Secretes an oily fatty substance that waterproofs the feathers
Varies in size with species
Lacking in some species (parrots and flightless birds)
Birds put oil on their beak and rub it all over their feathers
What do birds that do not have a preen gland often prefer rather than water baths?
Dust baths
Describe the beak of birds, what determines their shape?
Derivative of a bird’s skin (keratin formation) it is covered in a horny keratin layer
Varies in hardness, flexibility and shape based on the function and what the bird eats
True or false:
Bird beaks grow continuously
True
What does it mean if a birds beak grows continuously?
Surfaces and foods to help maintain normal length must be provided
Trim and file the beak if needed
What can a beak overgrowth indicate?
Internal problems
Nutrient problems
Describe the claws of birds. How do they differ between species?
Horny sheath derived from specialized scales (end of each toe)
Grow continuously
Differ based on perching habits and how the procure food (hunting or not)
“Quick” a bird’s nail
Cut too deep and hit the blood vessel within the nail
True of false:
Feathers are living structures on the bird
False
They are non-living structures
Describe feathers.
What are their 5 main functions?
Outgrowths of skin made of protein
1) Flight
2) Protection
3) Thermoregulation
4) Camouflage
5) Communication between birds
Where do feathers have sensation?
At the base in the area of attachment
What are the anatomical parts of a feather?
Quill/calamus
Rachis
Bards
Distal and proximal umbilicus
Describe the anatomy of feathers
Quill/calamus: hollow tube below the fluffy part of the feather (no barbs)
Rachis: continuation of the quill with barbs attached
Bards: individual hair strands
Vane: a group of barbs held together by hooklets and barbules
Distal and proximal umbilicus: distal - hole at the end of barbs. proximal - hole at the end of quill
Define contour feathers
Most visible feathers
Give shape to the bird
Most compact microstructure: quill, rachis, vane (barbs, barbules, hooklets)
Have a tight structure on the fluffy part of the feather - held together. Often contain the colour of the bird.
Describe contour feathers
Most visible feathers
Give shape to the bird
Most compact microstructure: quill, rachis, vane (barbs, barbules, hooklets)
Have a tight structure on the fluffy part of the feather - held together. Often contain the colour of the bird.