Aviary Respiratory System and Feathers Mr. Blackwood

Introduction Respiratory system Feathers

Respiratory System Define the System Respiratory system delivers oxygen from the air to the tissue and removes carbon dioxide. Plays role in regulating body temperature Different form other vertebrates Cycles inspiration and expiration

Birds Breathe Better More efficient than mammals Transfer more oxygen with each breath Con - transfer toxins more effectively

Basics Birds have lungs Air sacs Air sacs of birds extend into bone in shoulder and elbow, thigh bone, back bone, and skull

Unidirectional Flow Most mammals have BIDIRECTIONAL flow - moving back and forth and into and out of the lungs Air coming into mammals lungs is mixed with old air - less oxygen Birds have UNIDIRECTIONAL flow Fresh air and has high oxygen content

More Air is moved into and out of respiratory system with pressure changes in air sacs Muscles in chest cause sternum to to push outward Causes air to enter air sacs Other muscles contract to push air out

Visual Respiration cool link

Feathers Feathers Epidermal growths that form an outer covering on birds

What do they do? Aid in flight, thermal insulation, waterproofing, camouflage Protection form weather Balance Buoyancy for swimming Protect from water

Types of Feathers Tail feather - balanced left and right of center Flight feathers have a narrower and wider side Semiplume and downy feathers are good for warmth Filoplume are found around tail and flight feathers used for sensing feather maintenance All feathers have similar parts

Anatomy of a Feather 1 Vane 2 Rachis 3 Barb 4 Afterfeather 5 Calamus, Hollow shaft

Structure Hooklets and barbs add structure and slight rigidity to flight and tail feathers Downy Feathers are barbed but not hooked

Uses by Humans Since feathers trap heat well Used in bedding or mattresses, pillows, and blankets Coats and sleeping bags Arrows and fishing lures