Page 66 - Design in Nature

PERFECT DESIGNS FOR FLYING,

SWIMMING AND RUNNING

The wings are pulled The skeletons of birds are designed to
downward by the effectively enable them to fly, walk and
contracting muscles.
even swim in the fastest and most efficient
When the wings are
raised and the small way.
All flying birds are equipped with an
breast muscles
(supracoracoideus) extremely strong breastbone (sternum)
are contracted, the which has a large flattened plate, called a
large breast muscles keel, for the attachment of flight
Small breast (pectoralis major) are muscles. The muscles wrapping this
muscles
Large breast flexed. When the bone facilitate flight.
muscles large breast muscles The part of the skeleton
are contracted and called the breast plate
the small breast
muscles are flexed, constitutes a very Greater
the wings are sturdy support for the coverts
lowered. wing bones, and is
comprised of the breast
bone and wishbone that is unique
to birds. The bones that carry the wings
Large breast
muscles are very long and fused together. The wing
tip feathers attach to the fused "hand"
bones. The pelvic girdle extends both
downward and backward in order to enable
the leg muscles to work more effectively.

Humerus Pelvic girdle
Bill

Wishbone

BONES
Since birds are
designed for the Phalanges
purpose of flight,
Breastbone
their bones are
hollow and wrapped Toes
with muscles, which
provide miraculous
Tarsometatarsus
lightness without
compromising
strength.