1. Introduction: The Aves class has always been an interesting portion of Significance: Although not an initial adaptive feature, feathers have
the evolutionary tree of vertebrates. When looking at their anatomy and physiology eventually evolved to give birds flight. This allows birds to travel great distances,
they appear to have characteristics of various classes. Birds are bipedal, but this also creates a problem. The issue is that now they can also facilitate the
endothermic, egg-laying, feathered, vertebrates. They may appear to look like spread of diseases. Birds are reservoirs for certain diseases such as Influenza and
mammals to some, but they have reptilian characteristics. Birds’ feet have a West Nile Virus. As a host, it allows the survival, amplification, and spread of these
keratinized outer layer (stratum corneum) that is homologous to the scales of viruses. This is important to know in order to stop the spread of diseases. If
reptiles. Birds also reproduce like reptiles by laying eggs. Aves also have many vaccines could be created for birds, there could be a drastic decrease in these viral
characteristics that differ from most reptiles. Reptiles are ectothermic while birds infections. It could also possibly lead to the elimination natural reservoir, effectively
are endothermic. Birds also have developed a four chambered heart and hollow killing the disease. Scales, however, do not facilitate the spread of diseases.
bones to aid them in flight while reptiles have a three chambered heart and dense Infecting an animal with scales is much harder because it provides more protection
solid bones. As a result of these various characteristics, it can be difficult for some and does not carry germs as easily as feathers. The evolution of scales from
to pinpoint where in history birds have made their evolutionary ascent. theropods to feathers of the modern day bird has had positive impacts on the
Understanding when and why in history certain traits have developed, may help us species but are a growing concern for our community.
better understand why certain adaptations such as feathers result in greater
survival. The discoveries of certain fossils, like the Archeopteryx, have helped
evolutionary scientists and paleontologists to get a better idea of where to place Future Predictions As feathers developed they have become
:
them. Certain diseases can also be spread from feathers, so knowing more increasingly specialized in their form and function. Each Feather in a birds
information on feather evolution and morphology can help us better understand plumage has a specific use. Some feathers are used for insulation such as
how to prevent diseases such as influenza and West Nile Virus. the penguins use of small feathers and down to keep warm in the cold
temperatures of their environment (Du et al 2007). Some birds grow
Evolutionary History: feathers that aid in long migratory flights like Migratory Blackcaps (De La
Hera et al 2007). Other feathers are specialized in color, size and even make
up. The color of the feathers can be for attracting a mate such as with the
peacock tail feathers (Roslyn and Robert 2011), Or to help camouflage an
individual (Stoddard et al 2011). We believe that as time continues and
evolution shapes the uses of feathers that they will become even more
specialized. Alcids, a small water bird, have developed feathers that when
we increase insulation so that the bird stays warmer when it is in the water
(Ortega-Jimez et al 2010). Other possible adaptations include increased
water resistance, increased variation in color and patterns, larger primary
feathers to allowing for increased glide ability, and decrease in down size to
allow for more smaller feathers to help insulate.
References: