Wednesday, June 10, 2020
10:00 -12:00, 120 min. -
Biology:
TEAMS: Taxonomy / Animals - Aves -
GT and I discussed the criteria for membership in the class Aves, which includes all birds. We examined how this is the first endotherm (warm blood) class, but some species of fish and certain dinosaurs are thought to have some degree of thermo-regulation. We examined the different shapes of beaks that relate to prey and wing shape related to flying behavior. We discussed the concept of form follows function. We discussed how much harder bird eggs are than reptile eggs, and the amount of parental investment that is present in birds. We watched a film of manikin-birds who make sounds to attract females, by beating their wings together with such speed, that it is impossible to see, in real time. Also, we discussed the Story of Alex, the African parrot, who through the work of Dr. Irene Pepperberg, proved the high level of cognition in birds.