Question

Birds migrate from areas of low or decreasing resources to those with high or increasing resources of food and nesting locations. Long distance migratory birds would travel in the most energy-efficient way and would migrate only if they can further optimize their energy budget. The ability to maintain a high and constant body temperature enables birds to exploit a remarkable range of habitats. Discuss how behavioral and physical adaptation could help the migratory birds manage their body thermoregulation with minimal energy consumption. [Total : 20 marks]

Answer 1

physical adaptation in birds involves prior to migration

• birds increases uptake of food and stored excess food in the form of fatty acid or lipid layer which provide insulation and oxidation of fat provide energy in scarcity of food .
• The Feathers of birds provide them remarkable insulation against the cold stress and several bird species grow feathers extra layer prior to migration which provide them protection in the winter. The uropyial gland present at tail secrete oil that coats their feathers to provide extra insulation and waterproof ability.
• The presence of scales over hindlimbs and feet decrease the heat loss.By constricting blood flow to their extremities bird are able control body temperature.

Behavioural adaptation:

• Birds fluff their feathers to provide additional heat by creating air pockets and also birds stand on one hindlimb or crouched to cover it's both hindlimbs with its feathers to protect the bare skin from cold.
• During sunny days in winter birds expose their body sufaces to trap heat from sunlight. More the exposed surface region area more heat will be absorbed.so birds body get heated fastly.