Avian biology
By: edited by Donald S. Farner, James R. King ; taxonomic editor, Kenneth C. Parkes
Publisher: Academic
Published: 1972
Place of publication: New York, N.Y
Language: eng
Number of pages: 612
ISBN-13: 9781483269429; 9780122494024
Subjects: Birds; NATURE; Animals; Birdwatching Guides; SCIENCE; Life Sciences; Zoology; Ornithology
Description: Avian Biology, Volume II is a collection of papers that deals with the biology of birds such as their integumentary and respiratory systems. One paper describes the integument of birds that includes the skin, feathers, pterylosis, skin muscles, and other integumentary derivatives such as beaks, comb, claws, and spurs. The book explains the process of molting and the different generations of feathers; such molting is dependent on the wear and tear of the plumage, as well as hormonal changes. One author compares the blood vascular system of birds and mammals, and then gives a detailed description of avian hematology. Other papers deal with the respiratory functions, digestive system, and the nutritional needs of birds. Of interest is one authors description of the production of nutritive fluids, holocrine, which is secreted for the young. This secreted fluid contains about 23 percent protein, 10 percent fat, and no sugar. Unlike mammalian milk, it also contains cells. Another paper examines the intermediary metabolism of birds and the climatic effects on metabolism. This book is suitable for bird enthusiasts, zoologists, and avian biologists.
Notes: Includes indexes.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

English.
Table of contents: title: Front Cover; LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS; Avian Biology; Copyright Page; Dedication; Table of Contents; PREFACE; NOTE ON TAXONOMY; CONTENTS OF OTHER VOLUMES; OBITUARY; Chapter 1. The Integument of Birds; I. Skin; II. Feathers; III. Pterylosis; IV. Muscles of the Skin; V. Integumentary Derivatives Other Than Feathers; References; Chapter 2. Patterns of Molting; I. Introduction; II. Definitions; III. Homology; IV. Functional Equivalency; V. Social Factors; VI. Describing Molts and Feather Generations; VII. Concluding Remarks; References; Chapter 3. Mechanisms and Control of Molt; I. Introduction.; title: II. Mechanisms of the Pattern of MoltIII. Molting and Breeding Schedules; IV. Hormonal Control of Feather Loss and Replacement; V. Direct Effects of the Environment on Molt; VI. Energetics and Molt; VII. Summary; References; Chapter 4. The Blood Vascular System of Birds; I. Introduction; II. Avian Hematology; III. Morphology of the Blood Vascular System; IV. The Electrophysiology of the Heart; V. General Hemodynamics; VI. Regulation of the Cardiovascular System; VII. Cardiovascular Adjustments to (Habitual) Diving and Alterations in Ambient Gas Composition.; title: VIII. Cardiovascular Performances During FlightIX. The Cardiovascular System and Gas Exchange; X. The Role of the Cardiovascular System in Excretion and Osmoregulation; XI The Role of Peripheral Circulation in Temperature Regulation; References; Chapter 5. Respiratory Function in Birds; I. Introduction; II. Anatomy; III. Respiration of Resting Birds; IV. Respiration of Heat-Stressed Birds; V. Respiration of Flying Birds; VI. Respiration During Specialized Activities; References; Chapter 6. Digestion and the Digestive System; I. Introduction; II. The Buccal Cavity, Buccal Glands, and Pharynx.; title: III. The Esophagus and CropIV. The Gastric Apparatus; V. The Intestine; VI. The Liver; VII. The Pancreas; References; Chapter 7. The Nutrition of Birds; I. Introduction; II. Requirements Represented by Nutrient Expenditures; III. Requirements Represented by Syntheses and Storages of Nutrients; IV. The Net Nutritive Value of Feeds; V. Production of Nutritive Fluids for the Young; References; Chapter 8. The Intermediary Metabolism of Birds; I. General Considerations; II. Tissue Metabolism; III. Influence of Diet; IV. Endocrine Control of Metabolism; V. Influence of Reproductive (Laying) Cycle.; title: VI. Climatic Effects on MetabolismVII. Influence of Migration on Metabolism; VIII. General Summary and Conclusions; References; Chapter 9. Osmoregulation and Excretion in Birds; I. Introduction; II. The Avian Kidney; III. Postrenal Modification of the Urine -Role of the Cloaca and Intestine; IV. The Avian Salt Gland; References; AUTHOR INDEX; INDEX TO BIRD NAMES; SUBJECT INDEX.