Final Ornithology set for semester test

Plumage Cycle

The Plumage Cycle refers to the sequence of feather growth and molting that birds undergo throughout their lives, affecting their appearance and insulation. This cycle can vary in duration and timing depending on species, age, and environmental factors, influencing their breeding and migratory behaviors.

Humphrey Perks (H-P) system

is a classification of feather types and plumage stages in birds, detailing their molt patterns and seasonal changes.

Simple basic stratergy

for managing feather molting patterns in birds. It focuses on the timing and synchronization of feather growth to optimize appearance and function during different life stages.

Simple alternate strategy

for optimizing feather growth and molting in avian species. This strategy involves adjusting environmental factors and nutrition to support healthy plumage renewal.

Complex basic strategy

for managing feather development and molting patterns in birds that involves multiple phases and considerations. This strategy accounts for various developmental stages and environmental influences.

Complex alternate strategy

for optimizing feather growth that combines various techniques and methods. It incorporates timing, nutrition, and environmental adjustments to enhance plumage quality across different life stages.

Stepwise/ Stafflemauser

A feather molting strategy that involves a gradual, phase-based approach to shed and replace feathers, allowing for consistent feather development and optimal plumage renewal. (not all at once)

Egg shell pigments

are substances that color the eggshells of birds, influencing camouflage and temperature regulation. They play a role in signaling parental care and can vary among species. Biliverdin and porphyrin are common pigments that contribute to these colors.

Biliverdin

A green bile pigment produced from the breakdown of heme, commonly found in bird eggshells, affecting their coloration.

Poryphyrins

are organic compounds that can affect the coloration of bird eggshells and are derived from the metabolic breakdown of hemoglobin.

unmodified carotenoids

are pigments derived from plant sources that can influence the coloration of bird eggshells and are important for signaling and reproductive success.

modified carotenoids

are organic pigments derived from carotenoids that have undergone structural changes, influencing their function and color in bird eggshells.

Turacin

is a water-soluble pigment found in certain birds, derived from modified carotenoids, contributing to the red coloration of their feathers and eggs.

Turacoverdin

is a green pigment found in certain birds, closely related to Turacin, and plays a role in feather coloration.

Psittocofulvins

are modified carotenoids unique to some groups of parrots, contributing to vibrant yellow and orange pigments in their feathers.

Melanocyte

is a type of skin cell responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanocytes play a crucial role in protecting against UV radiation.

Pheomelanin

is a type of melanin pigment found in certain birds, responsible for reddish to brownish coloring in feathers.

Eumelanin

is a type of melanin pigment that produces black and brown colors in feathers and fur, providing camouflage and protection against the sun.

Rachis

is the main shaft of a feather. It supports the barbs and is essential for feather structure and function.

Cortex (feather)

The outer layer of a feather that provides strength and protection. The cortex is critical for maintaining the feather's integrity and ensuring proper insulation.

Barbs (feather)

are the branching structures that extend from the rachis of a feather, forming the vane and contributing to its aerodynamic properties.

Barbules (feather)

The tiny hair-like structures that branch off from barbs in a feather, aiding in the interlocking of barbs and enhancing the feather's overall structure and insulation.

Spongy layer (feather)

layer of a feather is a lightweight, porous structure that provides insulation and flexibility, helping to trap air for better buoyancy and thermal regulation. It lies beneath the cortex and contributes to the feather's overall structure, enhancing its ability to insulate and maintain body temperature.

Melanin

A pigment found in feathers that provides color and protection from UV radiation, influencing coloration and patterns. Occurs when tyrosine is converted through enzymatic processes in the body, playing a key role in feather development and appearance.

Fisherian attractiveness

A concept in sexual selection where traits that are attractive to potential mates evolve, enhancing reproductive success. This can lead to pronounced secondary sexual characteristics that may not necessarily benefit survival.

7 visual signal types (birds)

The seven visual signal types in birds include color, patterns, shapes, movements, displays, postures, and size variations, which are used for communication and mating behaviors.

MHC compatibility

A key factor in mate selection among birds, MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) compatibility refers to the genetic diversity of immune system genes that influences the attraction between potential mates. This genetic diversity is associated with improved offspring health and survival.

Coraciiformes

An order of birds that includes kingfishers, rollers, and bee-eaters, known for colorful plumage and diverse feeding habits, often displaying unique behaviors. Co - raciii (fast as fuck boi)

Coriamiformes

Seriemas are large, ground-dwelling birds native to South America, known for their long legs, distinctive calls, and hunting skills. Sickle claw (Ca RIII - Ser RII)

Accipitriformes

An order of birds that includes hawks, eagles, and vultures, characterized by keen eyesight, powerful talons, and a carnivorous diet.

Pterocliformes

An order of birds known as sandgrouse, characterized by their unique adaptations for life in arid environments, including specialized feathers for water absorption and strong flight capabilities.

Musophagiformes

An order of birds that includes turacos and plantain eaters, known for their vibrant plumage and frugivorous diet.

Coliiformes

An order of birds known as colies, characterized by their nocturnal behavior, unique appearance, and specialized diet of fruits. Mousebird

Procellariformes

An order of seabirds that includes albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters, recognized for their long wings, excellent flying abilities, and adaptations for a marine lifestyle. Pros

Leptosomiformes

An order of birds that includes the cuckoo roller, known for their unique body shape and arboreal habitat.

Opistocomiforms

An order of birds that includes the Hoatzin, notable for its distinct digestive system and unique nesting habits.

Podicipediformes

Apodiformes

Swift/humming

Ciconiiformes

An order of long-legged wading birds, commonly known as storks, herons, and ibises, characterized by their large bodies and long necks. Ibis = sick kents - Cic kents

Caprimulgiformes

An order of nocturnal birds including nightjars and potoos, characterized by their silent flight andCryptic plumage.

Convergent evolution

A process where unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environments or ecological niches.

Tarsometatarsus

The fused bones of the ankle and foot in birds, allowing for greater stability and strength during locomotion.

MacArthur & Wilson model

A theory that explains species diversity on islands based on island size and distance from the mainland, emphasizing the balance between immigration and extinction rates.

Gallirallus

A genus of flightless birds known as rails, found primarily on oceanic islands, characterized by their unique adaptations to island environments.

Equilibrium species (s*)

The stable number of species that an island can support over time, determined by the rates of immigration and extinction.

Dryolimnas

A genus of flightless birds, closely related to rails, that are native to isolated islands and exhibit unique morphological traits adapted to their environments.

Extinction rate (islands)

The rate at which species disappear from an island, influenced by factors such as habitat loss, introduced predators, and environmental changes.

Distance Effect

The ecological principle that states the number of species on an island decreases with increasing distance from the mainland, influencing colonization and extinction rates.

Gigantism (island rule)

The phenomenon where members of certain species evolve larger body sizes on islands, often due to limited resources and absence of predators.

Source pool

The collection of species available for colonization in a particular habitat, influencing biodiversity and species richness in ecosystems such as islands.

Forelimb/ Hindlimb Index (birds)

A ratio used to compare the relative lengths of forelimbs to hindlimbs in various species, often reflecting adaptations to different environments or lifestyles.

Acanthisitidae

A family of small finches commonly known as accentors, found predominantly in the Southern Hemisphere, noted for their adaptability to various habitats.

Adzebill

A large, extinct flightless bird native to New Zealand, related to the kin of the stilt and curlew. Gruiformes - aptornithidae were once widespread across the islands, characterized by their long legs and unique beak shape.

Aegotheliformes

An order of nocturnal birds, commonly known as owlet-nightjars, characterized by their unique plumage and silent flight, primarily found in Australasia.

Avifauna

The total bird fauna of a particular region or habitat, reflecting the diversity and abundance of bird species present.

Vicariance

The geographical separation of a population due to barriers such as mountains or rivers, leading to speciation.

Dinornithiformes

An order of large, flightless birds, commonly known as moa, that were native to New Zealand and became extinct in the 16th century.

Zelandia

A submerged continent that includes New Zealand and surrounding islands, characterized by its unique geology and biodiversity.

Gondwana

A large landmass that included present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and the Indian subcontinent, gradually breaking apart during the Mesozoic era.

Charadriiformes

An order of shorebirds, including gulls, plovers, and terns, known for their diverse habitats and adaptive behaviors.

Chorion

the outermost membrane surrounding an embryo in birds and reptiles, providing protection and facilitating gas exchange.

Allantois

a membrane that serves as a structure for waste storage and gas exchange in the developing embryo of reptiles, birds, and some mammals.

Chorion

A membranous structure that surrounds an embryo, playing a crucial role in protection and respiration during development.

Amnion

A membrane that encloses the embryo in a fluid-filled cavity, providing protection, cushioning, and preventing desiccation during development.

K/PG boundary

A geological layer indicating the mass extinction event that occurred around 66 million years ago, marking the transition between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods.

Vegavi

Vegavis

An extinct genus of birds known from the Late Cretaceous period, believed to be related to modern waterfowl.

MRCA

Most Recent Common Ancestor, a term used in phylogenetics to describe the latest ancestral species shared by two or more descendant species.

Theropod

A group of bipedal dinosaurs, including birds, characterized by hollow bones and three-toed limbs.

Archosaur

A clade of reptiles that includes all dinosaurs, modern birds, and crocodilians, characterized by certain features like a hole in the skull in front of the eyes.

Aves

a clade of theropod dinosaurs that includes modern birds and their extinct relatives.

Avialae

a clade that includes modern birds and their closest extinct relatives, representing the lineage of theropod dinosaurs that evolved powered flight.

Crown Clade

the most recent common ancestor of all living birds and all descendants of that ancestor. It is significant in classifying modern avian species.

Antorbital fenestra

an opening in the skull located in front of the eye socket, found in many reptiles and birds, which serves to lighten the skull and provide space for muscle attachment.

Mandibular fenestra

an opening in the lower jaw that contributes to the lightweight structure of the skull and aids in muscle attachment, commonly found in some reptiles and early archosaurs.

Confuciousurnis Sanctus

a genus of prehistoric birds known for its well-preserved fossils that give insight into early avian evolution.

Pygostyle

a fused bony structure at the posterior end of a bird's vertebral column that supports the tail feathers and aids in flight stability.

Fourth trochanter

a bony prominence on the femur of some dinosaurs and birds that served as an attachment site for muscles, aiding in limb movement.

Eoalulavis hoyasi

a species of early bird from the Late Cretaceous that showcases key evolutionary adaptations, including features of flight and skeletal structure.