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Feather - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 10:48, 16 July 2008
, 10:48, 16 July 2008→Anatomy and Physiology of the Feather
*Aggressive territorial behaviour
*Aggressive territorial behaviour
==Anatomy and Physiology of the Feather==
==Anatomy of the Feather==
In most birds, the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts, '''pterylae''' and areas that do not, '''apteriae'''. The location and the number of tracts varies between species. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed, feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. By laying feathers over apteriae, air can be trapped beneath, providing insulation.
In most birds, the body is divided into areas that contain feather tracts, '''pterylae''' and areas that do not, '''apteriae'''. The location and the number of tracts varies between species. By originating from tracts rather than being randomly distributed, feathers can smoothly overlap and conform to the natural contours of the body. By laying feathers over apteriae, air can be trapped beneath, providing insulation.
*'''Specialised adapted feathers''': include semiplumes, hypopnea, filiplumes and bristles.
*'''Specialised adapted feathers''': include semiplumes, hypopnea, filiplumes and bristles.
*'''Down feathers''': can be subcategorised into adult, natal and powder down. Powder down are specialised down feathers that disintegrate and produce a powder (keratin) that is spread through the feathers during preening. They are found throughout the body among the down and contour feathers.
*'''Down feathers''': can be subcategorised into adult, natal and powder down. Powder down are specialised down feathers that disintegrate and produce a powder (keratin) that is spread through the feathers during preening. They are found throughout the body among the down and contour feathers.
==Physiology of the Feather==
===Feather growth===
===Feather growth===