Question

Fowl skeletal system having different bones in laboratory practical

Answer 1

Answer:

The skeletal system provides the strong framework for the support and protection of the remainder of the systems, organs and tissues that make up the body of the fowl. Bird bones that are homologous to bones found in other animals have evolved over time to enhance the ability of the bird to fly. While fowls are not able to fly well, they still retain that ability to some extent. These modifications include:

Pneumatic bones where the air sacs of the respiratory system connect with the cavity of some of the long bones.

Fusion of some vertebral sections to provide the rigidity required for flight.

The sternum provides a large surface area for the strong attachment of the main muscles used for flight.

Compared to other animals, the size of the head has been reduced significantly as a large head would be a hindrance when flying.

The neck is quite long in most bird species to enable:

Protection of the delicate tissues of the brain from too much jarring when landing. The flexibility of the neck acts as a shock absorber.

The bird to reach food located on the ground – a rigid body makes this simple activity more difficult.

The bird to adjust its centre of gravity when the bird changes from the upright position of walking or perching to the more horizontal position of flight.

The long tail of many other animals has been reduced to a very short section of fused bones called the pygostyle.

The ribs have been modified by the inclusion of the uncinate process – a rearward projection of bone – which gives strength to the rib cage.