Let us learn about the comparison between ratites and carinates. Comparison # Ratites: (Palaeognathae): 1. Distribution: Discontinuous, except Ostrich, they are confined to southern continents and islands. 2. Habitat: Terrestrial—usually living in desert. 3. Size: Usually large Exoskeleton: 4. Tail: Functionless. 5. Feathers: Devoid of hooks and hooklets. The barbs are free. 6. After shaft: Usually well-developed. 7. Rectrices: Absent [...]
The following points highlight the top twenty types of Indian birds. The types are: 1. White Backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis) [Fam. Accipitridae] 2. Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) [Fam. Strigidae] 3. Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) [Fam. Gruidae] 4. Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) [Fam. Bucerotidae] 5. Pariah Kite (Milvus migrans) [Fam. Accipitridae] and Others. Indian Birds: Type # 1. White Backed [...]
In this article we will discuss about the origin of flight in birds. Birds constitute a very specialised group of vertebrates which have evolved from reptiles during Mesozoic era. The actual documentary records of the stages showing how such reptiles were transformed into birds are rare because of the non-availability of abundant avian fossils. Two fossil specimens of Archaeopteryx discovered [...]