Class Aves Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of birds?

Bipedal vertebrates

Most can fly

All birds have feathers

All of the above (correct)

What is Archaeopteryx?

The oldest known bird fossil.

What does the term Sinornis refer to?

An intermediate between modern birds and Archaeopteryx.

What is a dromaeosaur?

A small predator related to the Velociraptor. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hesperonis known for?

A genus of flightless aquatic birds. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during avian gas exchange?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is preening in birds?

The act of grooming and maintaining their feathers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are types of feathers?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What does camber refer to in relation to wings?

The way the wing is shaped, allowing air to flow faster over the top. Signup and view all the answers

The three axes of flight include Yaw, Pitch, and ______.

Roll Signup and view all the answers

What is the Vee formation in flying birds?

A formation that cancels some of the air turbulence at the wingtips. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the superorder Palaeognathae?

Includes flightless birds Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the order Struthioniformes?

Includes ostriches, which are flightless birds. Signup and view all the answers

What are cassowaries and emus classified as?

Order Casuariiformes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the order Galliformes include?

Turkeys. Signup and view all the answers

What sets hummingbirds apart in their flying abilities?

They are the only birds that can back up in flight. Signup and view all the answers

Which order includes the largest number of perching birds?

Order Passeriformes Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific name for the Dodo?

Raphus cucullatus. Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about oilbirds?

They are the only birds that echolocate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bird Characteristics

Birds are bipedal vertebrates, primarily adapted for flight.
Most birds possess the ability to fly, characterized by specialized structures.
Every bird has a bill, which varies in shape and size.
Feathers are unique to birds (and some dinosaurs), serving critical functions.
Feathers are filamentous, soft, flexible, and lightweight; essential for flight and temperature regulation.

Archaeopteryx

Considered the oldest known bird fossil, dating back 150 million years.
Demonstrates the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds, specifically theropods.
Found in Germany and noted for limited flying capabilities.

Sinornis

Represented a more advanced flyer compared to Archaeopteryx.
Acts as a transitional fossil between modern birds and earlier avian species.

Dromaeosaur

A 130 million-year-old specimen showcasing evidence of primitive feathers likely used for warmth.
This small predator is related to Velociraptor, hinting at the evolutionary development of feathers.

Hesperonis

Known as the "western bird," this genus comprises flightless aquatic birds from the Late Cretaceous period.

Avian Gas Exchange

Unique respiratory cycle involving air flowing through the trachea and bronchi into posterior air sacs.
First exhalation moves air from posterior air sacs to lungs, while second inhalation shifts air from lungs to anterior air sacs.
Second exhalation expels air from anterior air sacs back through the trachea.

Preening

Birds engage in grooming to maintain their feathers, enhancing condition and waterproofing.
Involves the application of oil from specialized glands.

Types of Feathers

Down feathers: provide insulation (e.g., in penguins).
Contour feathers: shape and streamline the bird’s body.
Flight feathers: specialized for primary and secondary flight functions.

Camber

Refers to the wing shape, allowing air to flow faster over the top for efficient lift.

Three Axes of Flight

Yaw: Dorsal/Ventral axis control.
Pitch: Lateral axis control.
Roll: Anterior/Posterior axis control for stability and maneuvering.

The Vee Formation

Specific bird flight formation providing aerodynamic advantages to each bird in the group.
Each bird reduces air turbulence for those behind, potentially saving up to 50% energy.

Superorder Palaeognathae

Includes ratites, which are flightless birds known for their evolutionary traits.

Order Struthioniformes

Comprised of ostriches, notable for being the largest flightless birds.

Order Rheiformes

Consists of rheas, large, flightless birds found in South America.

Order Casuariiformes

Contains cassowaries and emus, both incapable of flight.

Order Apterygiformes

Features kiwis, small, flightless birds endemic to New Zealand.

Superorder Neognathae

Encompasses all modern birds capable of flight.

Order Gaviiformes

Commonly known as loons, specialized for aquatic life.

Order Pelecaniformes

Includes diverse species such as pelicans, boobies, and frigatebirds.

Order Ciconiiformes

Contains flamingos, noted for their striking coloration and social behavior.

Order Anseriformes

Comprises ducks, known for sexual dimorphism in various species.

Order Falconiformes

Encompasses birds of prey including vultures, hawks, and eagles, recognized for their hunting prowess.

Order Galliformes

Features heavier, ground-dwelling birds such as turkeys.

Order Columbiformes

Includes doves, pigeons, and sandgrouse, known for their robust navigation skills.

Raphus cucullatus

Commonly known as the Dodo, an extinct flightless bird.

Order Strigiformes

Represents owls, specialized for nocturnal hunting.

Order Caprimulgiformes

Contains oilbirds, unique for their feeding habits and habitat.

Oilbirds

The only known birds capable of echolocation, similar to bats.

Order Apodiformes

Comprises hummingbirds, notable for their ability to fly backward.

Order Passeriformes

The largest order of birds, includes 69 families of perching birds, with the American Robin as a prominent representative.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the characteristics of birds and significant fossils in the avian evolution like Archeopteryx. These flashcards will help you grasp the fundamentals of ornithology and the distinctive features that set birds apart from other animals. Perfect for students and bird enthusiasts alike.