avian anatomy. skeleton modified for flight – supports flight muscles (pectoral girdle,...
Post on 20-Dec-2015
226 views
TRANSCRIPT
Skeleton
• Modified for flight– Supports flight muscles (pectoral girdle, keel/sternum)– Withstands stress of flight– Wings – fewer, fused digits
• Reduced mass– Pneumatic bones- major bones hollow with struts, air
spaces connected to respiratory system– Fused bones- adds rigidity– Lack teeth- lightweight beak
• Fused bones:• Brain Case• Furcula: pair of clavicles• Thoracic vertebrae to ribs• Synsacrum: ilium, ischium, lumbar , sacral, and first 6 caudal vertebrae• Pygostyle: final few caudal vertebrae• Also fused bones in legs and wings
• Also note:• Uncinate processes• Sternum/keel• Arrangement and reduced number of digits
• More specifics on handout
Pneumatic Bone
• Not completely hollow, has struts• Connected to respiratory system• Major bones of body pneumatic
http://nm.audubon.org/education/EE%20Chapter1/Chapter1.htm
Respiratory System• Very efficient• Unidirectional air
flow• System of air sacs– Average of 9– Serve variety of
functions• Lack muscular
diaphragm