Biologists explain Many animals have certain “weapons” that help them survive. For example, deer have horns, crabs have claws, etc. However, what do birds use and why are there so few among them who have such means of protection? More on this in the article.Discuss
Birds, like other animals, need to defend their territory. However, most of them do not have impressive “weapons” for this. Why this happens is suggested by biologists Alexander V. Palaoro and Joao K.T. Menezes.
Specialists note that any creature that can fly needs more energy to do so than those that move on land or water. Moreover, the greater the weight of the animal, the more energy is required. Birds can gain energy by looking for and eating food, and this also needs energy.
For this reason, experts say, many birds don't have special “weapons”. There is it only for those who are not particularly dependent on the ability to fly. For example, roosters and turkeys. These animals are known to have spurs. In total, only about 170 species of birds have spurs on their legs or wings – this is less than 2 percent of the total.
In addition, birds can use beak or claws as “weapons”. The first is used by toucans, the second by hawks. However, such devices as “weapons” are not so common. This is because the claws and beak are mainly needed for finding food, feeding, regulating body temperature, etc., and the spurs are only for fighting.
Source: The Conversation