Reptile-like Characteristics
#1 Amniotic Egg
#2 Feet and legs are covered in scales
#3 Short Tail
Objectives: 1. List 4 characteristics that
are necessary for bird flight. 2. Explain
how birds and reptiles are alike but
different. 3. Name the 2 types of bird
feathers and the function that they serve.
http://www.poster.net/bloom-steve/bloom-steve-bald-eagle-6500211.jpg
Key Characteristics
#1 Feathers
* Modified scales (like a reptile, they can
molt)
* Two functions:
#1 Lift for Flight
#2 Insulation
Types of feathers:
#1 Contour Feathers:
Contain barbs in their structure that
allows feather fibers to interlock.
Preening occurs when birds pull their
feathers through their beak to reinterlock the barbed fibers.
#2 Down Feathers: insulation
#2 Skeleton
•Light-weight due to hollow bones.
•Large breast-bone (keeled sternum) and collar
bone allow for large flight muscle attachment.
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#3 Endotherms ( generate heat through
metabolism: 104 to 108 degrees F) )
#4 Completely divide ventricle: prevents mixing of
oxygenated-rich blood with oxygen-poor blood.
This means that more oxygen can be carried
through the bird’s body.
http://universe-review.ca/I10-82-circulatory.jpg
#5 Lungs: birds have air sacs connected to their
lungs. This increases the amount of oxygen gas
that can be taken in.
#6 Other adaptations: beaks, feathers, and feet
are all specially adapted to perform certain
tasks.
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