Question

flight adaptation in birds

Answer 1

Respiratory Adaptations Because flying is a much more strenuous physical activity than anything that other animals do birds have a much more efficient respiratory system. A very important adaptation to the avian respiratory system is the air sacs that allow birds to have a one-way respiratory tract that maximizes oxygen intake. When birds inhale, air enters the posterior air sac. Upon exhalation, it enters the lungs, where an extremely efficient exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs. Upon a second inhalation, the air from the lungs enters the anterior air sac, the lungs shrink, and more air enters the posterior air sac. With the second exhalation, the air from the anterior air sacs exits the body and air enters the lungs again. This system allows birds to empty their lungs between breaths more than other vertebrates. This causes more gas exchange with fresh, oxygen-rich air, increasing the birds total oxygen intake.