BIOLOGY
by Miller & Levine
[complete Table of Contents]

Use the pull-down menu to jump to any of the Book's 40 Chapters: Chapter Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8 Ch 9 Ch 10 Ch 11 Ch 12 Ch 13 Ch 14 Ch 15 Ch 16 Ch 17 Ch 18 Ch 19 Ch 20 Ch 21 Ch 22 Ch 23 Ch 24 Ch 25 Ch 26 Ch 27 Ch 28 Ch 29 Ch 30 Ch 31 Ch 32 Ch 33 Ch 34 Ch 35 Ch 36 Ch 37 Ch 38 Ch 39 Ch 40

Additional Resources:

Chapter 31
Reptiles and Birds

What are Web Codes?

Web Codes for Chapter 31: • SciLinks: Dinosaur Extinction • SciLinks: Birds • Self-Test

In this chapter, students will read about the adaptations of reptiles and birds and the major living groups that make up these two classes of chordates.

Section 31-1: Reptiles
A reptile is a vertebrate that has scaly skin, lungs, and eggs with several membranes.
Well-developed lungs; a double-loop circulatory system; an efficient excretory system; strong limbs; internal fertilization; and shelled, terrestrial eggs are the main adaptations that have contributed to the success of reptiles on land.
The four surviving orders of reptiles are lizards and snakes, crocodilians, turtles and tortoises, and the tuatara.

Section 31-2: Birds
Birds are reptilelike animals that maintain a constant internal body temperature. They have an outer covering of feathers, two legs that are covered with scales and are used for walking or perching, and front limbs modified into wings.
Birds have a number of adaptations that enable them to fly. These adaptations include highly efficient digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems; aerodynamic feathers and wings; and strong chest muscles.

Click Here for Science News articles on Chordates and Vertebrates

(Complete Index of Articles)