O

ver 150 million years ago,

huge flying reptiles, called
pterodactyls, sailed across the
sky. One of the largest was the
pteranodon, which had a wingspan of
more than 27 feet (8 m). That’s about
the size of a large mobile home.
LIGHT BONES Most birds have hollow bones.
These giant meat-eaters of the sky
Bone tissues are arranged as a network of
would have paid little attention to interlaced bone strands. This allows bird
Archaeopteryx lithographica, a delicate bones to be as light as possible, yet still
flying reptile. It had the teeth and tail strong enough to provide support as birds
common to many reptiles, but its wings glide. This is an adaptation for flight. Flying
had a new kind of covering called birds need to shift their center of gravity
feathers. from their hind limbs when they walk to
Modern times have seen the their wings when they lift off. Of course,
extinction of the giant reptiles of the birds that are adapted for running have
sky, but Archaeopteryx evolved into an thicker bones that provide greater support.
entirely new class of vertebrate—birds.
Besides having feathers, birds differ
from reptiles in a few other ways.
Unlike their reptilian ancestors, birds
have no teeth. They are also warm-
blooded, which means they can regulate
their body temperatures internally. Yet
birds can relate to their ancestors in one
way: they have scales—but only on
their legs.
Today, there are about 9,000 species
of birds in the world, from the graceful FEATHERS This skin covering is unique
to birds. Birds usually have two kinds
Caspian tern you see here, to the tiny
of feathers: contour feathers, which are
ruby-throated hummingbird, to the
large, sleek, and aid in flight, and down
flightless ostriches of Africa—that can
feathers, which are smaller, fluffy, and
weigh as much as three average provide warmth.
seventh graders put together.
Obviously, birds are a highly evolved
group of animals with amazing
adaptations.

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MUSCLE Birds have evolved in special
ways for flight. A bird’s breastbone juts
outward and is connected to strong
muscles that allow the bird’s wings to
make the powerful downward thrust
necessary for flight.
BEAK Because birds lack teeth, their bills
have evolved to perform feeding activities.
The variety of bills is astounding. This
Caspian tern has a bill modified for catching
small fish. But a pelican, which catches large
fish, has a bill that is simply a huge scooper.

NESTING Birds generally show highly

developed parental care of their young.
All birds lay eggs, which are usually
cared for in the nest. After hatching,
some young can fly immediately,
though most babies need extended
parental care. Caspian terns lay eggs
right on the beach, and thus must
guard them from the many enemies
seeking a meal.

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