Characteristics of a aves

Answer 1

AvesAves is part of the hierarchical system of classification, specifically the subphylum Vertebrata of the Phylum Chordata (animals that have back bones). Aves is the name of the class to which birds belong in taxonomy; the Class Aves. Aves is divided into 29 orders, with Passeriformes the largest with about 5000 species. Some of the other orders have as few as one species (like Struthioniformes, the ostrich order). The aves are commonly known as the "birds" (after all, that is what they are). Characteristics

• Both morphologically and biologically, they are highly adapted for flight although many species have lost the powers of flight.

• They have scaly legs and feathers (which are specialized scales). Their bones are light (an adaption for flight), and are honeycombed in most species. The fore-limbs are highly modified that, along with their associated feathers, in most species are adapted for flight.

• Further adaptations for flight include the urinary system that excretes nitrogenous waste as uric acid crystals, massive reduction in size of reproductive organs when not breeding, the development of only one ovary or testis when breeding, and a massive sternum to anchor flight muscles.

• All species lay eggs

• They are toothless animals, but have a beak

• As certain times of year some species lay-down a fat layer for insulation and/or a food reserve that can be utilized in long migratory flights

• They have a highly efficient cardiopulmonary system, with an endothermic heart (they are warm-blooded).