Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds

Biology and Comparative Physiology of Birds, Volume I focuses on the physiology, classification, characteristics, and geographical distribution, as well as the digestive, blood, and nervous systems, of birds.
The selection first offers information on the origin of birds and adaptive radiation in birds. Discussions focus on relative resemblances of archaeopteryx to reptiles and birds, development of homoiothermy, locomotor and feeding adaptations, and adaptive radiation within families of birds. The book also examines the classification of birds and geographical distribution of living birds.
The publication takes a look at the development of birds and integumentary system. Concerns include body shape, blood, urogenital, and nervous systems, muscles and limbs, endocrine organs, feathers, and development of patterns of melanin pigmentation. The book also ponders on skeleton, digestive system, and muscle structure of birds.
The selection is a vital source of information for readers interested in the physiology of birds.

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Contents
Contributors to Volume I
Preface
Contents of Volume II
Chapter I. The Origin of Birds
I. Introduction
II. The Osteology of Archaeopteryx
III. The Relative Resemblances of Archaeopteryx to Reptiles and Birds
IV. Affinities with the Thecodontia
V. Arboreal Adaptations
VI. The Development of Homoiothermy
VII. The Third Archaeopteryx
References
Chapter II. Adaptive Radiation in Birds
I. Introduction
II. Problems in Size. The Surface: Volume Ratio
III. Locomotor Adaptations
IV. Feeding Adaptations
V. Adaptive Radiation within Families of Birds
VI. The History of Adaptive Radiation
References
Chapter III. The Classification of Birds
I. Introduction
II. Evolution and Taxonomy
III. Practical Systematics
IV. Problems in Avian Classification
V. A Classification of Birds
References
Chapter IV. Geographical Distribution of Living Birds
I. Historical Introduction
II. The Nature and Delimitation of Regions
III. Natural Regions and Historicofaunal Studies
IV. The Natural Regions
References
Chapter V. Development of Birds
I. Introduction
II. The Egg
III. The Beginning of Development
IV. Gastrulation
V. The Coordination of Development
VI. The Laying Down of the Organs
VII. Body Shape
VIII. The Food Supply of the Embryo
IX. The Extraembryonic Membranes
X. The Blood System
XI. The Gut and the Respiratory Tract
XII. The Coelom
XIIL The Urogenital System
XIV. The Adrenals
XV, The Nervous System
XVI. The Organs of Special Sense
XVII. The Muscles and Limbs
XVIII. The Feathers
XIX. Hatching
References
Chapter VI. The Integumentary System
I. The Skin
II. Derivatives of the Skin
III. Integumentary Pigmentation
IV. The Development of Patterns of Melanin Pigmentation
References
Chapter VII. The Skeleton of Birds
I. Introduction
II. Evolution
III. The Vertebrae and Ribs
IV. The Shoulder Girdle
V. The Wings
VI. Wing Movements
VII. The Pelvic Girdle and Hind Limb
VIII. The Skull
IX. The Intrinsic Skeleton of the Eye
X. Pneumatization
XI. Ossification and Growth
XII. Anomalies
References
Chapter VIII. The Musculature
I. Introduction
II. Striated (Skeletal or Voluntary) Muscles
III. Actions of Muscles
IV. Muscles Used in the Classification of Birds
V. Descriptions of Muscles of the Pectoral Appendage
VI. Descriptions of Muscles of the Pelvic Appendage
References
Chapter IX. The Blood-Vascular System
I. General
II. The Heart
III. The Arterial System
IV. The Venous System
V. The Blood
VI. The Lymphatic System
References
Chapter X. The Respiratory System
I. Introduction
II. Anatomy
III. Ventilation of the Respiratory Tract While Standing
IV. The Regulation of Respiratory Movements
V. Heat Regulation by the Respiratory System
VI. Respiration during Specialized Activities
References
Chapter XI. Digestion and the Digestive System
I. Introduction
II. The Buccal Cavity, Buccal Glands, and Pharynx
III . The Esophagus and Crop
IV. The Gastric Apparatus
V. The Intestine
VI. The Liver
VII. The Pancreas
References
Chapter XII. Excretion
I. Introduction
II. Anatomy of the Avian Kidney
III. Physiology of the Avian Kidney
IV. Non-renal Excretion
References
Author Index
Subject Index