Ch 19: Birds - Class Aves Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the classification of the Class Aves?

Class Aves- Birds (correct)

Subclass Archaeornithes (correct)

Phylum Chordata (correct)

Subphylum Vertebrata (correct)

What dinosaurs did birds evolve from?

Theropod Saurichian

Other than Theropod, what other dinosaurs did birds descend from?

Dromeosaurs, such as Velociraptor

Theropods are part of the 1.)_ Reptiles that include 2.) & other dinosaurs.

1.) Archosaur 2.) Crocodiles Signup and view all the answers

In the evolution of birds, what would you say they were built for?

Built for speed Signup and view all the answers

In bird evolution, what type of evolution did birds undergo for flight?

Exaptations Signup and view all the answers

In bird evolution, what types of Exaptations did they undergo?

Bipedalism, Hollow Bones, Foreleg modifications, Feathers Signup and view all the answers

Insects took flight before the ___________

Pterosaurs Signup and view all the answers

_______________ had already conquered the air

Pterodactyls Signup and view all the answers

What dinosaur was first discovered in rock that is 150 million years old, and was also the oldest known 'true' bird?

Archaeopteryx lithographica Signup and view all the answers

This dinosaur had very reptile-like bone structure, but numerous adaptations for flight like the other flying tetrapods (bats, pterodactyls).

Archaeopteryx lithographica Signup and view all the answers

What Reptilian features did the Archaeopteryx lithographica present?

Scales, Teeth, Long tail Signup and view all the answers

What older bird ancestor was dated 130 mybp and presented four-winged Microraptor?

Archaeornithura Signup and view all the answers

What did feathers evolve from?

Scales Signup and view all the answers

Did feathers evolve for flight?

False Signup and view all the answers

Most bird adaptations for ______ are completely unique to birds.

flight Signup and view all the answers

What is the two major driving forces in bird evolution, and how does this aid in bird evolution?

1.) Reduction of body weight 2.) Increase in power production Signup and view all the answers

How does birds present weight-reducing adaptations?

1.) Hollow bones with air sacs and struts 2.) Dense bones are very thin Signup and view all the answers

What was another evolution of birds' bones, other than hollow and thin, did they present?

Fusion of bone Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of bird skulls?

Thin, porous, and fused Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of bird ribs?

Long, thin, and overlapping Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the birds' sternum?

Large yet light, and hollow Signup and view all the answers

How do the feathers in birds aid in their life?

1.) Great surface area, for lightness and lift 2.) Provides streamlining 3.) Provides insulation 4.) Self- 'healing' Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of feather structures present in birds?

Quill, shaft, vane, barbs, barbules, and hooks Signup and view all the answers

The beak of birds is made up of:

Keratin; no fleshy lips, no teeth Signup and view all the answers

In bird excretion, what do they not have?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a side pouch off the cloaca?

Urodeum Signup and view all the answers

What do birds excrete? How does this help?

They excrete uric acid, and it conserves water and weight Signup and view all the answers

In marine birds, what must they excrete, and how do they excrete this?

Excess salt, and with a salt gland Signup and view all the answers

What type of strict reproduction are birds?

Oviparous Signup and view all the answers

Birds are the only class of vertebrates without some form of or __...

teeth or fleshy lips Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Birds

Classified under Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, Diapsida clade, Archosauria clade.
Class Aves includes two subclasses: Archaeornithes (ancient birds like Archaeopteryx lithographica) and Neornithes (modern birds).

Evolution of Birds

Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, a subgroup of Saurichian reptiles.
Additional ancestors include Dromeosaurs like Velociraptor.
The evolution involved adaptations for flight known as exaptations.

Key Exaptations for Flight

Bipedalism and hollow bones reduced body weight.
Modification of forelegs into wings and the development of feathers.

Historical Context

Insects achieved flight prior to pterosaurs, while pterodactyls also dominated the skies.
The oldest known "true" bird, Archaeopteryx lithographica, dates back 150 million years.

Archaeopteryx Characteristics

Combines reptilian features (scales, teeth, long tail) with adaptations for flight.
Had a bone structure resembling reptiles but adapted forelimbs for flying.

Feather Evolution

Feathers evolved from scales primarily for mating displays, defense, and temperature regulation, not initially for flight.
Adaptations unique to birds support flight, such as feathers that provide lift, insulation, and streamlining.

Bones and Skeletal Adaptations

Birds have hollow, thin, and fused bones to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Bird skulls are thin, porous and fused, minimizing mass.

Rib and Sternum Characteristics

Ribs are long, thin, and overlap, while the sternum is large, light, and hollow.

Excretory System

Birds lack a urinary bladder and urethra, excreting uric acid to conserve water.
Marine birds possess a specialized salt gland to expel excess salt.

Reproductive Traits

Birds are oviparous, laying eggs without viviparity or internal live births.
Unique among vertebrates for their reproduction methods.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Class Aves with this quiz based on Chapter 19. Explore the classification, evolution, and characteristics of birds, including their origins from theropod dinosaurs. Perfect for students studying biology or ornithology!