Review Material for Exam #1

Exam is scheduled for 11 February 2008

Adaptations for flight:

Reduced weight - 5 mentioned in class

Power producing adaptations - also 5

Nervous system adaptations

Wing structure - produces lift, thrust, and some drag (be sure you understand these terms)

Aspect Ratio

Wing Loading

4 basic types of wings - list and know basic flight characteristics of each

Avian Evolution:

Shared characteristics with reptiles?

Characteristics of Archaeopteryx?

could it fly? defend you answer!

Two hypotheses of the origin of birds - know which two groups are hypothetical ancestors

Evolution of Flight:

Arboreal Hypothesis vs. Cursorial Hypothesis

Fossil birds since Archaeopteryx

4 examples given in class (one was before Archaeopteryx) - know the names and descriptions

When did Neornithine birds appear in the fossil record?

When did flightless birds become common? - give some examples

Modification associated with flightlessness?

Avian Systematics:

Review the basic classification scheme from Kingdom down to Superorders.

Biological Species definition?

How are mophology and biochemical evidence used to ascertain relationships between species, genera, families, etc.?

What other types of evidence can be used to develop patterns of relatedness?

Be able to match the 30 order names with the common names of birds of the world.

PLEASE spend some time starting some time before Thursday night learning order names, as this will comprise ~30% of your exam!!!!!!!

Skeletal System

Review basic components and specializations.