EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The feathers are the single external feature that distinguishes birds from other vertebrates. The feathers are produced from the skin which is loose and dry, without sweat glands, and they form an insulating layer around the bird’s body, helping to keep its temperature constant, and repelling water.

Detailed explanation-2: -Characteristics of Aves Their forelimbs are modified into wings. They have well-developed flight muscles that help during the flight. Their hind limbs are adapted for walking, hopping, perching, grasping, wading and swimming. There are epidermal scales on their legs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The typical feather consists of a central shaft (rachis), with serial paired branches (barbs) forming a flattened, usually curved surface-the vane. The barbs possess further branches-the barbules-and the barbules of adjacent barbs are attached to one another by hooks, stiffening the vane.

Detailed explanation-4: -bird, (class Aves), any of the more than 10, 400 living species unique in having feathers, the major characteristic that distinguishes them from all other animals.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most obvious characteristic that sets birds apart from other modern vertebrates is the presence of feathers, which are modified scales. While vertebrates like bats fly without feathers, birds rely on feathers and wings, along with other modifications of body structure and physiology, for flight.