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Aug 1, 2019 · Ask any elementary school student why birds have hollow bones and they'll have an easy answer for you: It's to help them fly! Gold star, kid. But how do hollow bones really help birds fly? Contrary to popular belief, it's not because it makes them lighter. It's because they need so much oxygen to fly that their lungs actually extend into their ...
- Ashley Hamer
Birds have many bones that are hollow (pneumatized) with criss-crossing struts or trusses for structural strength. The number of hollow bones varies among species, though large gliding and soaring birds tend to have the most.
Birds have hollow bones because they need strength and lightness for efficient flight. By combining a dense, strong, exterior layer and a hollow or airy interior, birds are able to enjoy both of these qualities. The hollow bones of birds also serve a second amazing function by increasing the respiratory capacity of the bird.
Hollow bones are a remarkable adaptation that has allowed birds to conquer the skies and thrive in diverse habitats. The reduction in weight provided by hollow bones enables birds to achieve flight, conserve energy, and endure long-distance migrations.
Mar 4, 2024 · Hollow bones are strong and support birds in flight without adding extra weight. These special bones also help birds breathe better during flight by improving respiration. Not every bird has hollow bones. Some, like penguins and ostriches, have solid ones because of their lifestyle or living environment.
Mar 24, 2023 · Scientists have known for centuries that birds have hollow bones, but the exact benefits of this trait — from making them lighter for flight to even helping them breathe more efficiently — have been relatively understudied.
This article explores the three main reasons why birds have hollow bones: to keep them lightweight, make their bones more buoyant for flight, and improve respiration. Hollow bones help birds achieve a lightweight structure that reduces flight-related calorie consumption.
