Lecture Notes on Birds

Flashcards covering key concepts related to birds, their evolution, adaptations, and biological characteristics to aid in exam preparation.

Birds

Approximately 11,131 recognized species, second or third largest vertebrate group.

Endothermic

Able to maintain a stable internal body temperature regardless of external temperature.

Oviparous

Reproducing by laying eggs.

Morphological adaptations

Physical features developed to enhance flight capabilities.

Phylogenetic trees

Diagrams that represent evolutionary relationships among species.

Clade

A group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Monophyletic group

A group consisting of a common ancestor and all its descendants.

Polyphyletic group

A group that includes members from multiple ancestors, not sharing a recent common ancestor.

Paraphyletic group

A group that includes a common ancestor and some but not all descendants.

Archaeopteryx lithographica

An important transitional fossil, known from the late Jurassic period.

Cretaceous-Paleogene (KT) extinction

An event that caused the extinction of nearly all dinosaurs and many bird species.

Avemetatarsalia

The clade containing birds and their closest relatives within archosaurs.

Synapomorphy

A derived trait shared by a group of organisms that help define a clade.

Vaned feathers

Feathers that have a shaft and a flat surface, important for flight.

Ground up hypothesis

The theory suggesting flight evolved from ground-dwelling ancestors that could launch into the air.

Asymmetric vaned feathers

Feathers that have an unequal structure, aiding in flight control.

Uric acid

A nitrogenous waste product excreted by birds, advantageous for water conservation.

Bursa of Fabricius

An organ in birds that is involved in the immune response.

Thermoregulation

The ability of birds to regulate their body temperature to maintain homeostasis.

Cloaca

The common opening for excretory and reproductive systems in birds.

Hesperornis

A prehistoric genus of flightless aquatic birds.