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Does the same animal have different types of fur feathers and if so why?

2006-12-22 20:22:18 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics Zoology

5 answers

Yes, there are different types of fur and feathers, and their distribution, density and types affect the rate of heat transfer, both into and out of the body.
The best review about mammalian types of fur that I know is at the Animal Diversity Web, so instead of repeating it all, I'm leaving you the link to the original:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/topics/mammal_anatomy/hair.html

As an example, many mammals have guard hairs (longer and thicker, but more sparse), and some kind of underfur that provides thermal isolation (see the essay on the link for descriptions). Other mammals have very little hair (for example, elephants, whales), and they have specialized skin that allows them to control heat exchange in a different way.
And yes, there are different types of hairs in a mammal's body, for instance, vibrissae (whiskers) which are sensitive hairs, distributed around the head, especially the snout, but also in the legs.


The same happens with birds and their feathers; many birds, especially aquatic forms, have a dense layer of down feathers under the cover feathers. Penguins, for instance, have very short hair-like feathers, and thick down; this is very effective to reduce heat loss, so much so that penguins in warmer areas are in danger of overheating!
On the other hand, some birds such as cuckoos (at least the ones I know from here in South America) have scarce feathers on their backs and usually perch together in groups, exposing their backs to the sunlight for warmth.
There are several types of bird feathers, including some that are sensitive just like the whiskers of mammals; these are called bristles and filoplumes.
See here:
http://www.earthlife.net/birds/feathers.html

2006-12-23 02:56:56 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 2 1

animals the two have fur, or feathers. no longer oftentimes the two. Animals with fur could have categories of fur. some have no in any respect, and others basically patches of it. area of it relies upon on the genetics of the animal. some hairless breeds of canines do have all their hair as doggies. area of the respond relies upon on the geographical area of the animals. they could want something distinctive than their neighbouring usa. And....as for feathers, specific, there are distinctive types. Blood feathers, flight feathers, down ... They serve distinctive applications for the chook. some guard from water and chilly, others help it to fly (in case you narrow back them they could't fly)and others could lead them to bleed to loss of existence if broken or cut back. you're able to receive extra solutions from a direction of learn in Biology. wish to verify you interior the Lab! Cheers!

2016-11-23 12:46:32 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

look at canines, some have short hair others longer triple layerbleed furlike hair The arctic bred dogs/wolves have thicker fur which deflects water/ice and keeps heat close tot he skin. However the Australian Dingo has shorter less dense hair to enable heat loss to the atmosphere assisted by the tongue out panting!!

2006-12-28 03:23:37 · answer #3 · answered by puk 4 · 0 0

Yes, many animals have two basic types--an outer, harder/structural or protective layer (regular feathers in birds, guard hairs or outer coat in mammals); and an inner, fluffy warming layer (down in birds, undercoat in mammals). You generally see undercoats in colder climates (yaks, dogs of northern spitz type, etc) because the fluffiness traps air close to the body, and the trapped air retains the body's heat. Stiff guard hairs can help wick moisture away, helping cool mammals in warmer climates. I don't know that feathers can help with cooling--birds don't sweat, so they have to rely on behavior or unfeathered areas (legs/feet) to release excess heat.

2006-12-23 03:04:25 · answer #4 · answered by candy2mercy 5 · 2 0

I think all mamals have the same fur.

feather of birds can be divided into: plumae, filoplumae, and I forgot the other one...

2006-12-22 20:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by Papilio paris 5 · 0 3

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