Lab#2: Birds - Axial Skeleton

Question 1

Unique bird bones (6)

Answer 1

(1) Synsacrum → Unique fusion of vertebrae in birds.
(2) Pygostyle → Fused terminal caudal vertebrae; supports tail feathers.
(3) Furcula (wishbone) → Fused clavicles; unique to birds (and some non-avian dinosaurs).
(4) Tarsometatarsus → Fusion of distal tarsals and metatarsals; unique to birds.
(5) Carpometacarpus → Fusion of distal carpal and metacarpal bones; unique to birds.
(6) Coracoid → supports the wing

Question 2

How many cervical vertebrae

Answer 2

8 to 25

Question 3

How many caudal vertebrae

Answer 3

5-8

Question 4

Synsacrum is a fusion of … and …

Answer 4

Lower THORACIC vertebrae + LUMBAR vertebrae

Question 5

Vertebrae in the synsacrum

Answer 5

Thoracic -> Lumbar -> Sacral -> Caudal

Question 6

Parts of pelvis

Answer 6

ilium, ischium, pubis

Question 7

What distinguishes an adult from a young bird?

Answer 7

In adults: PELVIS (ilium, ischium and pubis) fused with synsacrum

Question 8

The tail of a bird is attached to the …

Answer 8

Pygostyle

Question 9

Bird skeleton reflects its adaptation to flight/running on hind legs: proof on their bones

Answer 9

Their skeletons have been lightened by thinning the bone cortex + loss of teeth