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Sommario
The origin and early evolution of birds. Air sacs in theropod dinosaurs and pneumaticity of bones in birds. Before there is a lung: the structure and function of the avian eggshell. Structure of the avian hyoid suspension and the kinetic larynx of some birds for vocalization. Evolution of the avian-like breathing mechanisms. Continuous and unidirectional air flow in the reptilian- and the avian lungs: evolutionary and functional implications. Functional specializations of the avian pulmonary circulation. Development of the airways and vasculature in the lungs of birds. Molecular aspects of the development of the avian lung and air sacs. Functional morphology of the adult avian lung. Structure of the air sacs of the avian respiratory system. Cellular defenses of the avian respiratory system. Flight mechanics, energetics and metabolism in birds. Bird flight at high altitude. Conclusions: current understanding of the biology of the avian respiratory system unresolved matters and future directions.
Riassunto
Published in collaboration with and on behalf of the American Ornithological Society, this volume in the highly-regarded Studies in Avian Biology series will broadly examine and synthesize aspects of the evolution, development, structure and function of the avian respiratory system and the lung-air sac system. The following questions will be answered: from where did the avian respiratory system originate?; how did it form?; how is it built?; how does it function? and; how does the functional design of the system allow and sustain powered flight and flight at high altitude? The chapters will be contributed by an international group of researchers who are renowned authorities in their areas of specialization.
