Birds -- Animals
Evolutionary Milestones
Birds are the only animals to have feathers.
Habitat
Birds can live anywhere in the world. They can move from place to place to avoid or to make the most of harsh conditions.
Anatomical/Structural Features
Birds have wings, thin hollow bones, and a keel shaped sternum for flight. they have a four chambered heart, a closed circulatory system, lungs, anterior and posterior air sacs, and a well-developed nervous and sensory system. They are endotherms, which means they are warm-blooded (can regulate their internal body temperature).
Some different species of birds have different adaptations: ptarmigans have feathered legs and feet; penguins have modified wings and feet; owls have large eyes, acute hearing, and sharp claws; and hummingbirds have long beaks.
Symmetry
Birds have bilateral symmetry.
How They Acquire Nutrients
Birds are heterotrophs, and can be carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores.
What They Eat
Birds eat fish, squid, worms, grubs, ant and termite eggs, other birds, small mammals, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, fruit, seeds, unopened flowers, young leaves, buds, and nuts.
What Eats Them
Domestic cats, large spiders, frogs, toads, mammals, fish, and other birds can eat birds.
Mobility
All birds can walk on their two feet. Most birds can fly using their wings. Other birds can swim.
Reproduction
Birds reproduce sexually by internal fertilization. They lay amniotic eggs with hard shells and then incubate the eggs to keep them at a constant temperature.
Development
The life cycle of a bird is amniotic eggs, hatch as chicks, adults.
Examples
Some examples of bird includes ducks, hummingbirds, penguins, and owls.
Birds are the only animals to have feathers.
Habitat
Birds can live anywhere in the world. They can move from place to place to avoid or to make the most of harsh conditions.
Anatomical/Structural Features
Birds have wings, thin hollow bones, and a keel shaped sternum for flight. they have a four chambered heart, a closed circulatory system, lungs, anterior and posterior air sacs, and a well-developed nervous and sensory system. They are endotherms, which means they are warm-blooded (can regulate their internal body temperature).
Some different species of birds have different adaptations: ptarmigans have feathered legs and feet; penguins have modified wings and feet; owls have large eyes, acute hearing, and sharp claws; and hummingbirds have long beaks.
Symmetry
Birds have bilateral symmetry.
How They Acquire Nutrients
Birds are heterotrophs, and can be carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores.
What They Eat
Birds eat fish, squid, worms, grubs, ant and termite eggs, other birds, small mammals, snakes, lizards, frogs, toads, fruit, seeds, unopened flowers, young leaves, buds, and nuts.
What Eats Them
Domestic cats, large spiders, frogs, toads, mammals, fish, and other birds can eat birds.
Mobility
All birds can walk on their two feet. Most birds can fly using their wings. Other birds can swim.
Reproduction
Birds reproduce sexually by internal fertilization. They lay amniotic eggs with hard shells and then incubate the eggs to keep them at a constant temperature.
Development
The life cycle of a bird is amniotic eggs, hatch as chicks, adults.
Examples
Some examples of bird includes ducks, hummingbirds, penguins, and owls.