Bird Adaptations
Bird Adaptations And Why They Are Necessary
Bird adaptations tend to be most generally classified as subspecies of a parent species of bird, as evidenced by the difference between one falcon or one sparrow and another. Bird adaptations most readily include coloration, plumage, diet, beak shape and size, and nesting habits. The theory, based solidly on the studies and findings of Charles Darwin, is that the process of natural selection will allow certain traits to become dominant if they are of benefit to the species in question. For example, if a normal finch from the parent species was born with a somewhat elongated beak, and used that feature to gain the nutrient rich insects hidden beneath the bark of trees, the gene strain would be considered a positive one, and therefore more likely to be passed on again and again. The birds who were capable of this feat would eventually inhabit an area where that food source was plentiful, and become a subspecies of the family from whence they came.
This is not true of only bird adaptations, as proven by the pesky cockroach. Natural selection has allowed this disease carrying insect to not only resist the effects of a poison or pesticide, but to pass this resistance directly on to his offspring. This is why we are unable to completely eradicate this beast from our kitchens, basements, and lives. In this same way, only over a much longer period of time, each of these finches with their very own set of characteristics, have been dispersed along the years. Bird adaptations when referring to the beak area are the most dominant subject matter with college students and those studying avian biology.
The easiest variance to discuss on the subject of bird adaptations would be the feet. Perching birds, for instance, will have a rear facing thumb extremity which allows for great balance and a good strong hold on even the most flimsy twigs. The claws and the fingers are designed on these tree nesting birds for grip. They can be spread wide apart or tucked closely together, perfectly designated for use in the unpredictable bush. Water dwelling birds, though most of these birds nest on the ground or in low lying areas, have webbed feet. They are clawed, mostly for protection and for traction on soil, but are primarily designed for propulsion within the water. Bird adaptations have created these feet for these birds over millions of years of evolution and natural selection, as most water dwelling birds are also important members of the food chain. Because they feed water bound animals and fish, nature has deemed them necessary to the water’s surface and perfected their ability to do so.