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Q.How is the exoskeleton of pigeon suitable for its aerial life?
Tamil Nadu DgeTamil Nadu HSC First Year (DGE) Board 2020Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
67% · 50/75 Questions
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →The pigeon's exoskeleton (feathers) is lightweight, streamlined, and forms broad flight surfaces on the wings and tail — features that together make powered, controlled flight possible.
Feathers, the exoskeletal covering of birds like the pigeon, are specially adapted for aerial (flying) life in several ways:
- Light weight: feathers are made of keratin and have a hollow central shaft (rachis) with a light, branching structure of barbs and barbules, making them very light without sacrificing strength — keeping the overall body weight low, which is essential for flight.
- Streamlined body shape: feathers cover the body smoothly, giving the pigeon an aerodynamic, tapering shape that reduces air resistance (drag) as it moves through the air.
- Flight surfaces: the large, stiff flight feathers (remiges) on the wings and (rectrices) on the tail create the broad surfaces needed to generate lift and thrust during flapping flight, and the tail feathers help in steering and balance during flight.
- Insulation: a layer of soft down feathers beneath the outer feathers traps air and insulates the body, helping maintain the high body temperature needed for the intense muscular activity of flight. …
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