Comparative study on wing shape and size, wing parameters and breast muscles of Philippine Rails

Date

4-1986

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Pedro Alviola III

Abstract

Lorenzo, Juvy L., College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines at Los Banos, April 1986. "Comparative Study on Wing Shape and Size, Wing Parameters and Breast Muscles of Philippine Rails." Adviser: Prof. Pedro L. Alviola III

Eighteen representative species of the family Rallidae were covered in the study. The values of aspect ratio and wing-loading were determined; the shape and size of the wings are also described; the weight of the body and that of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus were measured and corresponding proportions were computed. Correlation analyses were also done between the wing parameters and breast muscles. Results showed that on the average, the length of the wing is about twice that of its width, and that there is about 2 sq. cm. of wing surface area for every gram of the total body weight. For this group, then, it can be said that the aspect ratio is quite low and wing-loading relatively high. Variations in wing pro-portions seem not to keep up with weight. There is definite diminution of wing-loading from the lightest to the heaviest birds. Heavier birds have corresponding greater wing surface area. The elliptical, short, rounded and non-slotting types of wing predominate. Since the pectoralis and the supracoracoideus muscles are directly related, flight for the rails is said to be conditioned by the power of both breast muscles. On the average, the pectoralis constitute about 10 percent of the total body weight, and the supracoracoideus, 2.3 percent. The wing surface area and the supracoracoideus are negatively correlated; this relationship could have arisen in response of the supracoracoideus to the demands imposed by the increasing wing area. These distinguishing characteristics of the Rallidae were discussed in relation with the birds manner of flight, habitat, function, food habits, natural adaptation, and the niche in general.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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