Birds are uniquely classified from other organisms because they all(1 point)
Responses
have feathers.
have feathers.
eat seeds.
eat seeds.
lay eggs.
lay eggs.
have wings.
have wings.
In one or two sentences, explain how cats and dogs, both mammals, could be classified as distinct animals. What characteristics set them apart from one another?
Dogs and cats are both mammals, but they have distinct physical differences (e.g. dogs typically have longer snouts and are built for endurance while cats have shorter faces and are built for speed) and different behavioral traits (e.g. dogs are generally more social and trainable while cats are more independent).
The correct answer is: Birds have feathers.
To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate the other options one by one using our knowledge about birds. Let's go through the options:
1. Eat seeds: While it is true that some birds eat seeds, not all birds do. They have diverse diets, including insects, fish, nectar, and even small mammals.
2. Lay eggs: This is true for most birds. However, other animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and monotremes (e.g., platypus) also lay eggs.
3. Have wings: Birds do have wings, but so do many other organisms, such as bats and insects.
This leaves us with the answer: Birds have feathers. Feathers are a unique feature of birds and play a crucial role in flight, insulation, display, and protection.
Feathers are specialized structures made of protein called keratin. They provide aerodynamic lift and allow birds to fly. Feathers also help maintain body temperature by providing insulation, particularly in cold climates.
In addition to their functional role, feathers are also important for courtship displays, camouflage, and species recognition. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for remarkable diversity among bird species.
So, among the given options, the characteristic that uniquely classifies birds from other organisms is the presence of feathers.