1. List and explain the distinguishing characteristics of the class Aves. What a

Question

1. List and explain the distinguishing characteristics of the class Aves. What are lineages of modern birds? Give information regarding classification of the phylum, details in morphology, reproductive, ecology, etc.?

2. List and explain the distinguishing characteristics of the class Mammalia. What are lineages of modern birds? Explain the difference between prototherians, marsupials and placental mammals. Give information regarding classification of the phylum, details in morphology, reproductive, ecology, etc.?

Explanation / Answer

Major characteristics of the class Aves:

Lineage of Modern Birds: The modern birds are classified in Neornithes, which are evolved into some basic lineages by the end of the Cretaceous.

Classification of Phylum Aves:

Based on characteristics of Aves, Phylum is divided into 2 sub-phylum. i) Archeornithes and Subclass ii) Neornithes

Sub- phylum Archeornithes :

1) Contain extinct/fossil birds. Those birds were alive in Mesozoic era.

2) These show a long tail with 13 or more than 13 caudal vertebrae.

3) Pygostyle is absent.

4) Meta carpals are free. The free fingers of fore limb will end with claws.

5) Thecodont teeth are seen.

Eg: Archeopteryx, Archeormis

Sub-phylum Neornithes :

1) This subclass includes both extant and extinct birds.

2) Tail ends in pygostyle. The rectrices are arranged semi-circularly around pygostyle.

3) Teeth are absent in many forms.

4) Sternum is well developed. It shows a keel to which flight muscles are attached.

This subclass is divided into 4 super orders.

1) Odontognathae 2) Palaeognathe 3) Impennae 4) Neognathae

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