Describe structural adaptations in birds which have enabled them have successful aerial life.
- Their fore limbs are modified into wings for flight
- Flight feathers can be rotated to allow flight
- Well-developed pectoral girdles provide a firm base for attachment of wings
- They possess large and well-developed pectoral muscles to move the wings during flight
- Birds have a well streamlined body shape. This allows them to move smoothly in the air without much resistance.
- They have a strong keel-shaped sternum for attachment of flight muscles.
- They have hollow bones to reduce on their weight so as to float well in the air during flight.
- Their wings are shaped like an aerofoil. This helps them to generate enough force to initiate and maintain flight.
- Down feathers as are filthy to provide high insulation.
- The bones of vertebral column are fused to reduce flexibility and provide a firm attachment for muscle.
- Flight feathers are large and strong to provide a large surface area for generation of force of flight and to resist strong air currents during flight.
- Ability to fold the legs away during flight further streamlines their body shape and reduces air resistance.
- They have prominent eyes located dorso-laterally on the head to provide a keen eye sight especially during landing.
- Nictating membrane protect the eye
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
