Avian Skeletal System

How do the adaptations in the skeletal system of birds help them in flight?

• Increase weight and decrease strength for efficient flight

• Reduce weight and increase strength for efficient flight

• Reduce weight and decrease strength for inefficient flight

• No impact on weight or strength for efficient flight

Do ratites have a keel bone?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Ratites referring to ostrich, emu, rhea, cassowaries- think about what they have in common and the logistics of them being able to fly. Fun fact- kiwi's are also in this grouping oddly.

Explain the structure of the bones in bird wings and how it contributes to flight.

• The bones in bird wings are made of chitin, allowing for maximum flexibility and movement.

• The bones in bird wings are hollow and lightweight, with a unique structure that provides strength and flexibility.

• The bones in bird wings are non-existent, and birds rely solely on their dense feathers for flight.

• The bones in bird wings are solid and heavy, providing stability during flight.

The keel bone is

• An extension of the sternum

• An additional bone present

• An extension of the spinal column

Answer explanation

A strong base to attach flight muscles, providing stability. It is more developed in sophisticated fliers like swifts and least developed in ratites due to their lack of flight- there's are flat.

What are the differences in the skeletal structure of a bird's wing compared to a human arm?

• A bird's wing has elongated bones and some fused joints to allow for rigidity, while a human arm is designed for manipulation and dexterity.

• A bird's wing has shorter bones and more joints compared to a human arm, to allow for more flexibility and swift movement in flight.

Answer explanation

Some bones are fused (joined) to help with stability, others aren't to help with flexibility. Their placement will impact this.

The lumbar and sacral vertebrae in birds are not flexible

• True

• False

Answer explanation

They act as shock absorbers when landing from flight, cushioning the body from impact damage.

"The final few vertebrae are fused to create strong base for tail feathers" refers to which bone structure?

• Sternum

• Pygostyle

• Pleuron

• Pentadactyl

Explain how the fused bones in the avian skeletal system contribute to flight.

• The fused bones provide strength and rigidity for efficient flight.

• The fused bones help in camouflage during flight

• The fused bones allow for greater flexibility in flight

• The fused bones are used for storing energy during flight

A fused rib cage helps to resist twisting and bending during flight

• True

• False

Describe the role of pneumatic bones in the avian skeletal system.

• Pneumatic bones in birds are hollow and connected to the respiratory system, allowing for efficient gas exchange and reducing weight.

• Pneumatic bones in birds are solid and not connected to the respiratory system.

• Pneumatic bones in birds are only found in the wings and have no impact on the overall weight of the skeleton.

• Pneumatic bones in birds are used for storing fat as reserve energy, they have no role in gas exchange.

Answer explanation

Hollow bones- reduce weight, trap air to aid buoyancy in flight.

Link to respiratory system- referring to the air sacs around the body that attach to them, they're essentially extensions of the lungs throughout.

Remember to revise the respiratory system too, q1. how many of these air sacs are there and what is their role?