Examining Bird Adaptations: Name:

Pre-Lab Discussion Questions: Use your book to help

1.  Down feathers are found underneath a bird’s contour feathers. The down feathers trap air to help keep the bird warm. What would you expect down-feathers to look like?

2.  What is the difference between down and contour feathers?

3.  Draw an example of each feather type:

Contour Down Filoplume

4.  How do birds molt? Does this include ALL birds?

5.  What characteristics do bird bones have that allows them to fly?

6.  What is preening and why do birds do it?

7.  The preening gland is used during preening to help a bird survive? What do you think it does?

8.  What is another name for the claws of a bird?

9.  How does a bird’s beak help you identify its habitat?

Use the dissecting microscope to observe the feathers at a 3X magnification. Draw what you see in the box below. Make sure you label the quill, rachis, barbs, and barbules of each feather (if present).

Down Feather Contour Feather

Use the provided figures to fill in the tables below. Use the information on the lab sheets to determine Function of Feet and Beak.

Data table 1: Bird’s Feet

Bird / Number of Toes / Toe Positioning / Comparison of Toe Size / Type of Foot?
Heron
Osprey
Woodpecker
Duck
Jacana
Quail
Pelican
Hummingbird
Rhea
Whippoorwill

Data Table 2: Birds’ Beak

Bird / Description of Beak / Name and Function of Beak
Heron
Osprey
Woodpecker
Duck
Jacana
Quail
Pelican
Hummingbird
Rhea
Whippoorwill

Conclusion:

1.  Why are feathers molted in two’s, one from each side?

2.  Most leg muscles on a bird are found around the femur, why?

3.  In what way are a woodpecker’s feet adapted to its feeding position?

4.  How many toes do most of the birds in the Figures have?

5.  Look at figure 27.11. Based in their bill, what type of food do you think each bird eats?

Bird / Food / Bird / Food
Raven / Cardinal
American Avocet / Pelican
Parrot / Flamingo
Anhinga / Eagle