Paleates and Nates: An Overview of Bird Taxonomy

These flashcards cover key concepts, species, taxonomy, and conservation status related to the Paleates and Nates bird classes as discussed in the lecture.

What are the two major clades birds are divided into?

Paleates and Nates.

What does the prefix 'paleo' refer to?

Ancient things, as in paleontology.

What does the prefix 'neo' mean?

New.

What is one distinguishing feature of Paleates compared to Nates?

Morphological differences in the skull.

What are the two major groups within Paleates?

Ratites and Tinamus.

Give an example of a Ratite.

Ostrich.

What is the scientific name for the Common Ostrich?

Struthio camelus.

What kind of eater is the Common Ostrich?

Primarily herbivorous.

What type of taxonomy will be used in this class?

The Clemens checklist of birds of the world.

What is the IUCN Red List?

A comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

What significant feature do Tinamus have that distinguishes them from Ratites?

They have a keeled sternum.

What is the primary juvenile coloration of an emu?

Brown with relatively shaggy neck feathers.

What is the conservation status of the Southern Cassowary?

Least concern.

Describe the diet of the Southern Cassowary.

Frugivorous; they primarily eat fruits.

Where are Kiwis native to?

New Zealand.

What is the primary threat to the North Island Brown Kiwi?

Habitat destruction and fragmentation.

How many subspecies does the North Island Brown Kiwi have?

None.

What is the average population of the North Island Brown Kiwi?

About 25,000 individuals.

What are Rias primarily?

Herbivorous.

What is a notable threat to Ria Americana?

Hunting for meat and leather.

Which family do emus belong to?

Dromaiidae.

What is the distinctive behavior of male Paleates with respect to offspring?

Males generally care for the nest.

What kind of environments do Ostriches inhabit?

Semi-arid and arid environments.

How do you distinguish male from female Cassowaries?

Females tend to have larger casks than males.

What family do Kiwis belong to?

Apterygidae.

What kind of motion do emus generally exhibit?

Sedentary or nomadic.

What unique feeding behavior do Tenamus exhibit?

Seasonal diet shifting.

What order do Rias belong to?

Rhea.

What is the common name for Rhea americana?

Greater Rhea.

Where are Cassowaries primarily found?

New Guinea and Queensland, Australia.

What is a structural adaptation of Ratites?

Lack of a keeled sternum.

What is the taxonomic significance of the Clemens Checklist?

It provides a modern taxonomy that overrides older or outdated classifications.

What adaptations do Kiwis have for their feeding habits?

Long bills for probing the ground for invertebrates.

What is the behavioral characteristic of Rias in terms of habitat choice?

They prefer open habitats for running.

What is a common way to identify male and female emus?

Females tend to be larger than males.

What is the primary color of a Greater Rhea's plumage?

Gray.

In which habitats are Kiwis found?

Subtropical and temperate forests.

What is a main characteristic of the distribution maps presented in the lecture?

They originate from varying bird distribution resources.

What is a notable trait of the Southern Cassowary's diet?

They are important seed dispersers.

What distinguishes the Elegant Crested Tinnamu from other birds?

Prominent crest and distinctive plumage.

What do the prefixes in Paleates and Nates help indicate?

The evolutionary distinction between ancient and new morphological characteristics.

What contributes to the vulnerability of North Island Brown Kiwis?

Habitat destruction.

What is a structural difference between Paleates and Nates morphologies?

Presence of vulmer bone in Paleates.

How can one tell Kiwis apart from other bird species?

Kiwis have stout, round body forms.

What do the long anal bristles on Kiwis do?

Assist in foraging.

What is the typical social behavior of Paleates with respect to nesting?

Males generally care for the nest.

What impacts the diet of Tinnamus seasonally?

Availability of invertebrates during different seasons.