Aim: What are the main characteristics of birds and how are they adapted for flight?

OBJ: Given activity sheet SWBAT explain the main characteristics of birds and how are they adapted for flight with 70% accuracy.

DN: HW check – Reptiles Act. Sheet

ACT: Introduction to Birds (notes)Text, read p. 118-124, Work on Birds Activity Sheet

HW: Complete Birds Activity Sheet; Quiz soon !!!; Work on Vertebrate Review Sheets and Animal Activity Sheet, Vertebrate Exam, Dec. 3

Bird Characteristicsendothermic: warm blooded (maintain constant body

temperature by food and feathers)

feathers

air sacs

First 4 chamber heart (prevents mixing of O2 rich and O2 poor

blood)

eggs (hard shell)

“care for young” behavior (feed & protect until young able to fly)

internal fertilization

Adaptation for Flighthollow bones

wings

large chest muscles

feathers (2 types):

contour feathers- steering & flight

down feathers- trap heat & warmth

air sacs- connected to lungs to obtain more oxygen

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Bird FlightBird’s upward curved wing causes faster moving air above wing (= lower pressure) and slower moving air below wing (= higher pressure). As the bird moves through the air, the high to low pressure results in an upward force called lift. Lift results in flight.

Bird’s Adaptation for Flight

Hollow Bones

High Pressure

High Pressure

Low Pressure

Low Pressure

Lift

Obtaining FoodBills – tear, strainer

Crop - internal storage tank

Two part stomach:

Part 1: chemical breakdown

Part 2: gizzard- physical breakdown with stones (gastroliths)

Bird Anatomy

Role of Birds in the EnvironmentMost diverse vertebrate group. Their role: pollinators disperse seeds pest predators

Origin of the Birds:Birds are believed to be descended from Archaeopteryx (a reptilian dinosaur with wings and feathers)

Bird Origins

dinosaurs

dinosaur w/ bird features

bird

Birds with teeth

Birds with teeth

Dinosaur Eggs

Gastroliths

Gastroliths

So, when eating your turkey this Thanksgiving, just remember you are eating a dino descendant. Enjoy !!!