Ornithology
Exam #2 Material
MUSCULAR SYSTEM
What are the 2 major flight muscles and how much of the body weight of a typical bird do they comprise?
3 basic types of muscle fibers and their differences/importance (see handout)
2 types of heat production Ð which is most common?
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Large heart with high stroke volume
Well developed brachial and pectoral vasculature
High number of RBCs
Renal portal system
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Review basic function
Understand the basic anatomy and respiratory mechanism.
Why is this system so efficient?
Syrinx Ð 3 types - for sound production.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Lots of adaptations to different feeding styles.
Adaptations include specialized bill, crop, gizzard, cecae, etc. Review passage of food through system and how these specializations help in maximum energy extraction.
3 parts of cloaca with different functions.
Functions of accessory organs (liver pancreas).
UROGENITAL SYSTEM
Kidney structure & function
Method of nitrogenous waste removal
Osmoregulation Ð including salt glands
Male & Female reproductive systems Ð know parts & functions.
How is copulation achieved? Where does fertilization take place?
NERVOUS SYSTEM
CNS & PNS (what do these terms mean?)
3 division of brain Ð know basic functions
Senses:
Olfaction
Gustation
Mechanoreception (touch, barometric pressure, magnetism)
Hearing
Vision
For each of these know the basic structure involved (if applicable) and specializations seen in birds.