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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains how bird bones are adapted for flight?
A
They are fused together to eliminate all movement in the skeleton.
B
They are solid and dense to provide extra support during flight.
C
They contain large amounts of fat to store energy for long flights.
D
They are hollow and lightweight, reducing body mass while maintaining strength.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the problem: The question asks how bird bones are adapted for flight, requiring knowledge of bird anatomy and the relationship between bone structure and flight mechanics.
Recall the concept: Bird bones are specialized to support flight. They are hollow and lightweight, which reduces body mass while maintaining structural strength. This adaptation is crucial for efficient flight.
Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze each choice: (1) Fused bones eliminate movement but do not explain flight adaptation. (2) Solid and dense bones would increase weight, hindering flight. (3) Fat storage in bones is unrelated to flight mechanics.
Identify the correct answer: The hollow and lightweight structure of bird bones is the best explanation for their adaptation to flight, as it reduces body mass while maintaining strength.
Relate to broader biology: This adaptation is an example of evolutionary specialization, where structural changes enhance survival and efficiency in specific environments, such as flying in birds.