FNR 240 Exam 3

What defines a bird?

• Produce eggs.

• Have feathers.

• Have a beak.

• Specialized feet.

• Hollow bones.

• Bipedal

List two types of feathers:

Any two of: tail, plume, wings, semiplume, contour, down, filoplume, bristle. 

Compared to a mammal or reptile skeleton, there are many ___ bones in a bird skeleton.

Fewer.

Birds, on average, have how many bones?

112

Birds have how many bones in their “arms” (wings)?

10.

What is the function of the “wishbone” or furcula?

To strengthen the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigors of flight.

Most birds have a ____-shaped sternum, which creates more surface area for the attachment of flight muscles.

Keel.

Why would a bird NOT have a keel-shaped sternum? 

Evolution away from flight, no spending energy on developing breast muscles for flight. 

Each bird rib is connecting to the adjoining rib by a small bone, called a ____-process.

Most bones in a bard’s skeleton are _____, meaning they also include spaces filled with air that keep the weight of their bones to a minimum.

Pneumatic.

True/False: All bird beaks lack teeth. 

True. 

The crop holds food, and the _____ pulverizes it.

Gizzard.

The ____ holds food, and the gizzard pulverizes it.

Crop. 

Birds devote how much of their body volume to the respiratory system?

~1/5th.

Birds are found on _______ and on the most remote islands in the world.

Every continent.

Globally, there are how many species of birds?

11,167.

Globally, there are how many families of birds?

254.

Globally, there are how many orders of birds?

41.

How many birds does Indiana list for the state?

420.

Size/Shape: Tiny bird with a large/er head, plump body, and a short bill. 
Color Pattern: Has a black “cap”, black throat, with white cheeks. Buffy sides, and wings and back a soft gray. 
Behavior: Very alert and quick, “busy”.
Habitat: At feeder, maybe a backyard, likely a forest birds. 

Carolina Chickadee.

Size/Shape: Large bird with an elongated, pointy beaks.
Color Pattern:
Behavior:
Habitat: Along wet areas, rivers.