class Aves
Diversity:
Birds live in all biomes, from mountains to prairies, on
all oceans, and from the North to the South Pole
‘Twitching’
Birdwatching : mega industry hobby
South Africa:
Bird biodiversity hotspot
Superorder Paleognathae (large flightless birds)
Superorder Neognathae (all other birds, most can fly)
,Characteristics of Birds:
1. Feathers
2. Uniform Structure:
- Forelimbs modified as wings
- Hindlimbs adapted for walking,
swimming or perching
3. Beaks: keratinized
4. Lay eggs
,Adaptations for FLIGHT:
• Wings: provide propulsion & lift
• Respiratory system: provides high
oxygen demands & cooling of body
• Skeleton: provides a light but rigid
frame
• Digestion & Circulation: high-energy
demands
• Nervous system: advanced sensory
systems for high speeds & distances
, Origin & Relationships:
Archaeopteryx:
• Skull resembled modern birds but had teeth
than a beak
• Skeleton was reptilian with clawed fingers, a
ribs, and a long bony tail
• Feathers were unmistakably imprinted alon
Diversity:
Birds live in all biomes, from mountains to prairies, on
all oceans, and from the North to the South Pole
‘Twitching’
Birdwatching : mega industry hobby
South Africa:
Bird biodiversity hotspot
Superorder Paleognathae (large flightless birds)
Superorder Neognathae (all other birds, most can fly)
,Characteristics of Birds:
1. Feathers
2. Uniform Structure:
- Forelimbs modified as wings
- Hindlimbs adapted for walking,
swimming or perching
3. Beaks: keratinized
4. Lay eggs
,Adaptations for FLIGHT:
• Wings: provide propulsion & lift
• Respiratory system: provides high
oxygen demands & cooling of body
• Skeleton: provides a light but rigid
frame
• Digestion & Circulation: high-energy
demands
• Nervous system: advanced sensory
systems for high speeds & distances
, Origin & Relationships:
Archaeopteryx:
• Skull resembled modern birds but had teeth
than a beak
• Skeleton was reptilian with clawed fingers, a
ribs, and a long bony tail
• Feathers were unmistakably imprinted alon
