Birds
Habitat:
Birds have a very wide range of habitats. Birds do not live only on land as some birds, such as penguins, are semi-terrestrial and can be in water. Although many birds really do live in trees as we imagine, not all birds follow this pattern and are an exception to that mental schema.
Reproduction:
Sexual (internal fertilization)
- Amniotic eggs with a hard shell
- Incubate eggs to keep them at a consistent temperature
Anatomical Features:
1. Wings and thing, hollow bones which allow for flight
2. Closed circulatory system with four chambered heart
3. Respiratory system consists of lungs, anterior air sacs, and posterior air sacs
4. Endotherms (warm-blooded) that can regulate internal body temperature
5. Well-developed nervous and sensory system
6. Feathers, beaks, wings, and other features are modified more specifically in the taxon of species
Evolutionary Milestones:
Feathers
Predators/Prey:
- Can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores depending on the species
Predators: Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, harmful strains of fungi and bacteria
Symmetry:
Bilateral
Mobility:
Birds can fly, walk, and swim (which one or combination will depend on the actual species)
Development:
Amniotic eggs, hatch as chicks, adults
Birds have a very wide range of habitats. Birds do not live only on land as some birds, such as penguins, are semi-terrestrial and can be in water. Although many birds really do live in trees as we imagine, not all birds follow this pattern and are an exception to that mental schema.
Reproduction:
Sexual (internal fertilization)
- Amniotic eggs with a hard shell
- Incubate eggs to keep them at a consistent temperature
Anatomical Features:
1. Wings and thing, hollow bones which allow for flight
2. Closed circulatory system with four chambered heart
3. Respiratory system consists of lungs, anterior air sacs, and posterior air sacs
4. Endotherms (warm-blooded) that can regulate internal body temperature
5. Well-developed nervous and sensory system
6. Feathers, beaks, wings, and other features are modified more specifically in the taxon of species
Evolutionary Milestones:
Feathers
Predators/Prey:
- Can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores depending on the species
Predators: Mammals, reptiles, amphibians, harmful strains of fungi and bacteria
Symmetry:
Bilateral
Mobility:
Birds can fly, walk, and swim (which one or combination will depend on the actual species)
Development:
Amniotic eggs, hatch as chicks, adults