Ornithology is one of the sections of the general zoology.He is devoted to the study of birds, their taxonomy, physiology, reproduction.We also study the geographic distribution and morphology of these animals.
General
The term was coined in the late 16th century Italian naturalist W. Aldrovani.Literally "Ornithology" is translated from the Greek as the study of birds (λόγος -word, teachings and ὄρνιθος - bird).Thus, it is clear that such a "profession ornithologist."One of the main objectives is to systematize the kinds of researchers, the number of animals in their environment, their classification.Of particular importance are the issues of protection of rare species.There is also a separate specialty - doctor ornithologist.This activity involves the treatment of avian species, including being on home maintenance.
Objects of research
Birds are a class of vertebrates, egg-laying, feathered, warm-blooded animals.Their forelimbs are presented in the form of wings.The special structure of the body allows the animal to fly.Today, however, there are many species of flightless birds.A distinctive feature is the presence of bird beak.According to estimates today there are more birdwatchers 9800 species of birds.About 600 species distributed throughout the territory of Russia.Because so many birds are considered the most common group of pets superclass.Animals inhabit all the continents of the Earth, including Antarctica.The most individual of the little birds is considered to be the bee hummingbird (its size is about 5.7 cm).The largest member of the class is the African ostrich (grows up to 270 cm).The ancestor of modern birds is considered Archaeopteryx (we lived about 150 million. Years ago) and maniraptorovye dinosaurs (about 80 mln. Years ago).Groups of birds that exist today are infraclass veerohvostyh.It, in turn, divided into two categories: flightless birds (ratites) and other species (novonebnye).
Brief History
Who is an ornithologist?When people first began to explore the birds?Start of development of science put Aristotle.It was he who first began to organize the famous while species.Aristotle lived in the IV.BC.e.He created works "Parts of Animals" and "On the origin of the animals."Working on them, the ancient Greek scientist identified a separate genus of birds, describing the anatomy and life of 160 species.This classification Aristotle was far from perfect, however, did not change until the 17th century.Only in 1676, Francis Willoughby (English biologist) has created the manuscript "Ornithologiae libri tres", which was published after his death scientist John Ray.After almost a century, in 1758, the year, Willoughby work was continued in the famous treatise "System of Nature" Carl Linnaeus.Swedish naturalist animals distributed in accordance with the hierarchical categories and formed a binomial nomenclature to species designations.According to the classification of all the birds were divided into six groups, includes 554 species from 78 genera existed.This systematization (almost unchanged) used today.Linnaeus was also developed a technique ornitofenologii applied in the study of migratory birds.All osnorvnuyu information about birds that time summed scholar and writer Buffon.They work was published in ten volumes "History of Birds".Since then, everything about these birds, explores ornithologist.What does the science of to gather the necessary information?On this - on.
Research Methods
ornithologist Who is today?In the first place - is the observer.One of the most affordable ways to study birds species, their habits and life in general is the observation.Exercise can be the naked eye.But as a rule, used special equipment.After all, who is an ornithologist?This is a scientific figure, mainly.The researchers used video cameras, binoculars and more.It should be noted that monitoring - this is not a prerogative of experts only.Today it is quite common hobby.Monitoring allows you to take measures to ensure the protection of rare species.In addition to visual studies, and listen to the birds.In many cases, this may give more information than observation.
Banding
What makes an ornithologist to trace the migrations of birds?Banding - a method of ornithological research - used more than a hundred years.Mesh birds put on a special aluminum or plastic (bright color) ring on foot.Sometimes device affixed serial number.Banding method allows to accurately track the migration routes of birds of seasonal fish, make habitat for each particular area.Further, the birds can be carriers of various diseases.In connection with this tracking routes using the method of banding it is particularly important.Using this method, among others, are calculated approximate number of specimens.Work on a global level is coordinated by the International Committee for the ringing and its European section (Euringom), formed in 1962 ornithologist Echekoparom in Paris.Essential in Euringa takes study on ways to unify the collection, processing and storage of information.
practical importance of science
Ability to live birds, classification, migration, proliferation, morphology, - in short, all that studying ornithologist, is of particular economic importance today.Due to the increasing speed and volume of traffic increase, passenger traffic has increased dramatically the number of collisions of airplanes and birds.In the process of development of unpopulated areas people became more frequent contact with feathered specimens, many of which are carriers of dangerous diseases like farm animals and man.In addition, hunting steel need regular monitoring and forecasting of migration and population of birds.
development of science
Returning to the question of who is an ornithologist, we can say that today it is primarily a specialist whose work requires knowledge not only in the field of biology.At the present stage protection and ecology of birds inevitably involves international cooperation and bring together researchers from different countries.For example, since 1963, the year holds regular meetings at which there are representatives of aviation authorities and ornithologists.In the development of science as before, and now, international cooperation is of paramount importance.
Ornithology today
Currently worldwide work specialized centers, institutes for training.In addition, it published about two hundred magazines devoted to the latest developments in the field of ornithology.It should be said that part of the publication is purely scientific, and some - of environmental and popular character.By tradition, the publications produced in a country, are known as the most popular feathered specimens.For example, in England in 1852 published the first «Ibis», in Germany since 1857, the year goes «Journal fur Ornithologie».In coordinating the work of academics are important ornithological community, many of whom work from the middle of the last century.
