Class Aves evolved from either a dinosaurian or other reptilian group at least 150 mya forelimbs modified for flight scaled legs epidermal feathers “constant flow” respiratory system with parabronchi and air sacs no bladder (semisolid urine of uric acid) internal fertilization offspring precocial or altricial
Origin and Relationships Archaeopteryx
Origin and Relationships Superorder Paleognathae flat sternum weak pectoral muscles Superorder Neognathae keeled sternum powerful flight muscles
Flight
The Evolution of Flight a.k.a. Two Wings and a Prayer How did flight evolve? 1. Ground Up Scenario: From a bipedal cursorial (running) ancestor 2. Trees Down Scenario: From an arboreal ancestor if that ancestor was a glider, then it must have co- opted its gliding structures into wings if the ancestor was not a glider, then its wings must have developed from another function of the arms. Why did flight evolve? (1) To help escaping predators (2) To help catching flying or speedy prey (3) To help moving from place to place (leaping or gliding) (4) To free the hindlegs for use as weapons. (5) To gain access to new food sources or an unoccupied niche
Mechanics of Flight The four forces
Source of Power Flight Muscles
Source of Lift Wing Shape negative pressure lift
Adaptations for Flight Feathers
Adaptations for Flight Light weight skeleton fused vertebrae large open areas bones with air cavities (pneumatized)
Pneumatized Bone human eagle
Perching Muscles & Tendons Muscular System Perching Muscles & Tendons
Digestive System Crop Liver Proventriculus Gizzard Intestine Kidney Cloaca Liver
Circulatory System 2 chamber 3 chamber 4 chamber
4-chamber Heart Circulatory System
Cross-current Exchange Respiratory System Cross-current Exchange
Respiratory System
Excretory System Uric Acid Salt Glands