Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds

Volume I

1st Edition - January 1, 1960
Editor: A. J. Marshall
Language: English
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 1 - 4 8 3 2 - 6 3 7 9 - 3

Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds, Volume I focuses on the physiology, classification, characteristics, and geographical distribution, as well as the digestive, blood,… Read more

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Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds, Volume I focuses on the physiology, classification, characteristics, and geographical distribution, as well as the digestive, blood, and nervous systems, of birds. The selection first offers information on the origin of birds and adaptive radiation in birds. Discussions focus on relative resemblances of archaeopteryx to reptiles and birds, development of homoiothermy, locomotor and feeding adaptations, and adaptive radiation within families of birds. The book also examines the classification of birds and geographical distribution of living birds. The publication takes a look at the development of birds and integumentary system. Concerns include body shape, blood, urogenital, and nervous systems, muscles and limbs, endocrine organs, feathers, and development of patterns of melanin pigmentation. The book also ponders on skeleton, digestive system, and muscle structure of birds. The selection is a vital source of information for readers interested in the physiology of birds.

Contents

Contributors to Volume I

Preface

Contents of Volume II

Chapter I. The Origin of Birds

I. Introduction

II. The Osteology of Archaeopteryx

III. The Relative Resemblances of Archaeopteryx to Reptiles and Birds

IV. Affinities with the Thecodontia

V. Arboreal Adaptations

VI. The Development of Homoiothermy

VII. The Third Archaeopteryx

References

Chapter II. Adaptive Radiation in Birds

I. Introduction

II. Problems in Size. The Surface: Volume Ratio

III. Locomotor Adaptations

IV. Feeding Adaptations

V. Adaptive Radiation within Families of Birds

VI. The History of Adaptive Radiation

References

Chapter III. The Classification of Birds

I. Introduction

II. Evolution and Taxonomy

III. Practical Systematics

IV. Problems in Avian Classification

V. A Classification of Birds

References

Chapter IV. Geographical Distribution of Living Birds

I. Historical Introduction

II. The Nature and Delimitation of Regions

III. Natural Regions and Historicofaunal Studies

IV. The Natural Regions

References

Chapter V. Development of Birds

I. Introduction

II. The Egg

III. The Beginning of Development

IV. Gastrulation

V. The Coordination of Development

VI. The Laying Down of the Organs

VII. Body Shape

VIII. The Food Supply of the Embryo

IX. The Extraembryonic Membranes

X. The Blood System

XI. The Gut and the Respiratory Tract

XII. The Coelom

XIIL The Urogenital System

XIV. The Adrenals

XV, The Nervous System

XVI. The Organs of Special Sense

XVII. The Muscles and Limbs

XVIII. The Feathers

XIX. Hatching

References

Chapter VI. The Integumentary System

I. The Skin

II. Derivatives of the Skin

III. Integumentary Pigmentation

IV. The Development of Patterns of Melanin Pigmentation

References

Chapter VII. The Skeleton of Birds

I. Introduction

II. Evolution

III. The Vertebrae and Ribs

IV. The Shoulder Girdle

V. The Wings

VI. Wing Movements

VII. The Pelvic Girdle and Hind Limb

VIII. The Skull

IX. The Intrinsic Skeleton of the Eye

X. Pneumatization

XI. Ossification and Growth

XII. Anomalies

References

Chapter VIII. The Musculature

I. Introduction

II. Striated (Skeletal or Voluntary) Muscles

III. Actions of Muscles

IV. Muscles Used in the Classification of Birds

V. Descriptions of Muscles of the Pectoral Appendage

VI. Descriptions of Muscles of the Pelvic Appendage

References

Chapter IX. The Blood-Vascular System

I. General

II. The Heart

III. The Arterial System

IV. The Venous System

V. The Blood

VI. The Lymphatic System

References

Chapter X. The Respiratory System

I. Introduction

II. Anatomy

III. Ventilation of the Respiratory Tract While Standing

IV. The Regulation of Respiratory Movements

V. Heat Regulation by the Respiratory System

VI. Respiration during Specialized Activities

References

Chapter XI. Digestion and the Digestive System

I. Introduction

II. The Buccal Cavity, Buccal Glands, and Pharynx

III . The Esophagus and Crop

IV. The Gastric Apparatus

V. The Intestine

VI. The Liver

VII. The Pancreas

References

Chapter XII. Excretion

I. Introduction

II. Anatomy of the Avian Kidney

III. Physiology of the Avian Kidney

IV. Non-renal Excretion

References

Author Index

Subject Index