Why Do Some-WPS Office11

1. Why do some species of birds migrate during the year?
Birds migrate primarily to find food and

suitable breeding conditions. Migration helps them avoid harsh climates, like cold winters, and ensures
they have access to abundant resources. Some species also migrate to exploit different ecological niches
during different seasons, which increases their survival and reproductive success.
2. How do you think pigeons are able to find their way home so reliably? Pigeons are believed to use a
combination of methods to navigate, including visual landmarks, the Earth's magnetic field, and the
sun's position. Their ability to detect and remember environmental cues, such as olfactory signals and
geomagnetic fields, also plays a crucial role in their homing ability.
3. Is the early arrival of a migratory bird to its breeding or feeding ground an adaptation to climate
change? Yes, early arrival could be an adaptive response to changing environmental conditions due to
climate change. Birds may arrive earlier to take advantage of changing food availability or to better
synchronize their breeding with the timing of resource peaks. However, this might also have negative
effects if the timing of migration doesn't align with food or habitat availability.
4. What are some physical characteristics all birds share? All birds share several key physical traits,
including feathers, a beak without teeth, a lightweight skeleton (with air-filled bones), and a high
metabolic rate. Birds also lay hard-shelled eggs and have a unique respiratory system with air sacs for
efficient oxygen exchange.
5. How does the diet of forest birds differ from aquatic birds? Explain how some birds are important to
the plant species in their habitat. Forest birds typically eat seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals, while
aquatic birds may feed on fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants. Birds like hummingbirds and seed-
eating species play key roles in pollination and seed dispersal, which is crucial for maintaining plant
diversity and ecosystem health.
6. Some types of birds go through intricate courtship rituals. Do you think that these are innate or
learned behaviors? Courtship rituals in birds are primarily innate, as they are genetically programmed
behaviors designed to attract mates. However, some birds may modify their courtship displays based on
environmental cues or previous experiences, suggesting a mix of innate and learned behaviors in some
cases.
7. Why do some birds prefer to lay their eggs above ground (in nests)? Is this characteristic seen in other
types of animals like mammals? Birds lay eggs in nests above ground to protect them from predators
and environmental hazards. Nests provide insulation, camouflage, and safety. This is similar to some
mammals, like tree-dwelling primates or squirrels, that also create secure places for their young to avoid
predation.
8. In bird reproduction, what are the functions of egg yolks and whites? Using this knowledge, which do
you think is more nutritious? The yolk provides nutrients and energy for the developing embryo,
containing fats, proteins, and vitamins. The egg white (albumen) serves as a protective layer, cushioning
the embryo and providing additional protein. The yolk is generally more nutritious because it contains
the bulk of the nutrients required for growth and development.
9. Cite adaptations of terrestrial and marine birds in terms of prey acquisition. Give at most 5 examples.
Terrestrial birds:
Sharp beaks for tearing or cracking seeds and insects.
Strong talons for catching prey (e.g., raptors).
Camouflage or behavior to hide while hunting.

Marine birds:
Webbed feet for swimming and diving (e.g., ducks, penguins).
Specialized bills for filtering or catching fish (e.g., pelicans, spoonbills).
10. What is/are the ancestors of birds? Cite an evidence. Birds are most closely related to theropod
dinosaurs, specifically a group known as maniraptorans. Evidence supporting this includes fossil records
showing similarities in skeletal structure (e.g., furcula, or "wishbone"), as well as the discovery of
feathers on dinosaur fossils, which suggests that feathers evolved from dinosaurs to modern birds.

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1. Why do some species of birds migrate during the year?

Birds migrate primarily to find food and

Sharp beaks for tearing or cracking seeds and insects.

Strong talons for catching prey (e.g., raptors).

Camouflage or behavior to hide while hunting.

Webbed feet for swimming and diving (e.g., ducks, penguins).

Specialized bills for filtering or catching fish (e.g., pelicans, spoonbills).

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