Class Aves (Birds)

Front 1

What 2 lines of evidence are there that birds evolved from dinosaurs?

Back 1

- Their feathers are evolved from scales (scaly legs)
- Clawed feet and skeleton

Front 2

List 4 adaptations of seabirds to the marine environment.

Back 2

- Waterproof feathers
- Salt glands that empty to their nostrils
- They lay eggs on land but get their food from the ocean
- Webbed feet

Front 3

Why are sea & shorebirds important indicators of environmental health?

Back 3

Marine birds are at or near the top of the food web, thus important indicators of the overall health of the ecosystem, they rely on a complex balance a healthy habitat and the available food supply for survival

Front 4

Describe at least 4 different feeding modes of seabirds, providing one example for each, noting specific adaptations (e.g., beak shape).

Back 4

- Aerial Pursuit: Frigatebirds and Jaegers which have elongate beaks and prey on stealfish.
- Pattering: Storm Petrels which have short beaks and prey on larval fish and plankton.
- Dipping: Gulls which have short and broad beaks and will eat anything.
- Skimming: Skimmers which have a longer lower beak than upper and prey on small surface fish.

Front 5

What is the difference between seabirds & shorebirds?

Back 5

Seabirds spend a significant part of their lives at sea and feed on marine organisms. Although most breed in large colonies on land, and build their nests on the ground. Shorebirds migrate and do not swim much, and do not have webbed feet.

Front 6

List 5 adaptations of Penguins for success as seabirds in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean.

Back 6

- Stubby “flippers” that allow them to fly underwater
- Their bones are denser than those of other birds, to reduce buoyancy and make diving easier.
- Layer of fat under their skin, blubber.
- 2 layers of water proof feather layers
- Great under water vision

Front 7

Provide an example of a bird that is in the Order Porcellariiforme (‘tubenoses’) and list 3 benefits of the tubenose.

Back 7

- Shearwaters (puffins)
Benefits:
Senses air flow, distinct sense of smell, and dispose excess salt through nostrils.

Front 8

How do wading shorebirds avoid cold legs?

Back 8

Wading shore birds avoid cold legs by using their counter current heat exchange which they actually have in their legs.