Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Raptors/Answer Key"
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==2. Classification:== | ==2. Classification:== | ||
===a. Identify the 2 major groups of raptors. === | ===a. Identify the 2 major groups of raptors. === | ||
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| + | Raptors are divided into two broad groups, the diurnal raptors (those active in the day), such as hawks, eagles, kites, falcons and osprey, and the nocturnal raptors (those active at night), which comprise the typical owls and the barn owls. | ||
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===b. List the scientific names of the orders & families collectively referred to as "raptors" or "birds of prey."=== | ===b. List the scientific names of the orders & families collectively referred to as "raptors" or "birds of prey."=== | ||
===c. Identify distinct characteristics of raptors.=== | ===c. Identify distinct characteristics of raptors.=== | ||
Revision as of 02:44, 22 April 2015
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1. What does the word “raptor” mean?
The word Raptor comes from the Latin word rapere, meaning to seize, or snatch away. The term is used in reference with the way many raptors kill their prey with their feet.
Raptors include hawks, eagles, kites, vultures, condors, harriers, kestrels, falcons, owls and the secretarybird. Raptors are often referred to as birds of prey, as they are frequently active hunters (aside from the vultures and condors, which are primarily carrion eaters). A common characteristic among raptors are their sharp, curved talons for catching and holding prey, their curved upper bill for tearing flesh, and often their keen eyesight, hearing and/or sense of smell, used for finding their food.
2. Classification:
a. Identify the 2 major groups of raptors.
Raptors are divided into two broad groups, the diurnal raptors (those active in the day), such as hawks, eagles, kites, falcons and osprey, and the nocturnal raptors (those active at night), which comprise the typical owls and the barn owls.
