Ecology
Associations
Known predators
Asio
Based on studies in:
USA: California (Marine)
This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
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Known prey organisms
Plantae
invertebrates
marine invertebrates
Insecta
Prokelisia
Orchelimum
Araneae
Based on studies in:
USA: California (Marine)
USA: Massachusetts, Cape Ann (Marine)
USA: Georgia (Marine)
This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
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Evolution and Systematics
Evolution
Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships
Several clades within Tyranni are clearly established: Pipridae (manakins), Tityridae (tityras), Cotingidae (cotingas), and Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers). But relationships among them are contradictory in different analyses, and no resolution is strongly supported in any analysis (Barker et al. 2002, 2004; Johansson et al. 2002; Chesser 2004, Ohlson et al. 2008, Tello et al. 2009). However, the last two references, especially, have made considerable progress in consolidating these four clades (though some species have changed allegiance) and every species but one can now be placed in its proper group with confidence. That species, Calyptura cristata, remains a mystery. Until recently thought extinct, it has never been genetically sampled, and it has been linked at various times to tyrannids, tityrids, cotingids, and piprids.
The group here called Tyranni has been given various other, though similar, names by other workers, Tyrannides and Tyrannida being the commonest. The distinctions are arbitrary.
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Functional Adaptations
Functional adaptation
The bones of birds maximize stiffness and strength relative to weight by increasing density.
"The skeletons of birds are universally described as lightweight as a result of selection for minimizing the energy required for flight. From a functional perspective, the weight (mass) of an animal relative to its lift-generating surfaces is a key determinant of the metabolic cost of flight. The evolution of birds has been characterized by many weight-saving adaptations that are reflected in bone shape, many of which strengthen and stiffen the skeleton. Although largely unstudied in birds, the material properties of bone tissue can also contribute to bone strength and stiffness. In this study, I calculated the density of the cranium, humerus and femur in passerine birds, rodents and bats by measuring bone mass and volume using helium displacement. I found that, on average, these bones are densest in birds, followed closely by bats. As bone density increases, so do bone stiffness and strength. Both of these optimization criteria are used in the design of strong and stiff, but lightweight, manmade airframes. By analogy, increased bone density in birds and bats may reflect adaptations for maximizing bone strength and stiffness while minimizing bone mass and volume. These data suggest that both bone shape and the material properties of bone tissue have played important roles in the evolution of flight. They also reconcile the conundrum of how bird skeletons can appear to be thin and delicate, yet contribute just as much to total body mass as do the skeletons of terrestrial mammals" (Dumont 2010)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
- Dumont ER. 2010. Bone density and the lightweight skeletons of birds. Proc. R. Soc. B.
- 2010. Bird bones may be hollow, but they are also heavy. Science Daily [Internet],
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Functional adaptation
The feet of perching birds can perch even on weak, slippery surfaces due to the rough bumpy skin on their soles.
"The Passeriformes or 'perching birds' have the typical bird foot: three toes forward and one behind, with which a bird can perch crosswise on a branch. A bird's sole is covered with rough bumpy skin, so that it can obtain purchase even on a small, weak, mobile twig which may be wet and slippery after rain." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:183)
Learn more about this functional adaptation.
- Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.
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Molecular Biology and Genetics
Barcode
Locations of barcode samples
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Statistics of barcoding coverage
| Specimen Records: | 22,384 |
| Specimens with Sequences: | 13,907 |
| Specimens with Barcodes: | 13,757 |
| Public Records: | 5,961 |
| Species: | 2,660 |
| Species With Barcodes: | 2,140 |
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Disclaimer
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