Feathers
Feathers
Feathers are the most complex integumentary system structure.
Learning Objective: Identify feather structures and describe the role of feathered wings in insulation and flight.
Feathers are the most complex integumentary system structure, with intricate branches that create an air foil for flight and/or insulation.
This video introduces general feather structure and function.
Watch this video; you can select the closed captioning “cc” option if you would like to see the text.
Feather structure is revealed under a microscope.
Microscopic feather views showing barb and barbule details.
20x
40x
40x (different species)
Found feathers can be used to identify bird species.
Feathers found outdoors also can give an indication of bird and predator activity.
Molting and a modeled predator strike.
Evidence of a bird-of-prey strike.
In the field if you do not have a hand magnifier with you, a water drop can magnify the surface enough to make out key feather details.
The integumentary system of animals, including bird feathers, are an array of structures dependent of proteins.
Check your knowledge – Feathers
Review your notes. Can you describe the structures and functions of feathers? If so, move forward to the next page.
Learning Objective:
Identify feather structures and describe the role of feathered wings in insulation and flight.
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Proteins Contents
Complete all five of these sections before taking the quiz and submitting your media piece.
This Module
8: Why does it look like this?
This Guide
8A: Proteins
Products Information
8A: Quiz & Media
