BIOL 371 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: Aorta, Ostrich, Air Sacs
Document Summary
Function of the keel- has to do with flight. Pectoralis muscle that lowers the wing is attached to the humerus. Airfoil: the streams of air stream over and under the wing and then combine at the narrow end tip (for airplane wings) Airfoil creates a lift that keeps the wing up against gravity. Birds have to generate thrust to prevent drag (friction) Flap in flight takes a lot of power that comes from the muscles. Soaring to reduce the power required by not needing to flap as much and keeping their wings out and take advantage of updrafts (found on slopes) and glide. Many feed on very rich food sources- seeds, insects, fruits, nectar, vertebrates. Geese nip at the tips of the grass which is very nutrient rich. Cardinals have big fat bills for crushing nuts. Flamingos have a sifter bill that is used as a filter for water. Pelicans have a net under their long bill.
