Question

The aquatic birds have
(A) Webbed feet
(B) Long legs
(C) Sharp claws
(D) Oily feathers

Answer 1

Hint:Aquatic birds, also known as water birds or waterfowls are those which live on and around water. Few aquatic birds spend most of their time on land, than on water. According to the habitat in which it prevails for a longer time, there are certain adaptations which help them to swim, feed and protect themselves from cold.

Complete answer:
Aquatic birds are those which live on and around water. They should not be confused with wading birds, which take their prey (aquatic insects, small amphibians and fishes) from water. Depending on the species of aquatic bird, their characteristic features and adaptations vary. Example of aquatic birds – Penguins, Ducks, Geese, etc.

Morphological adaptations observed in aquatic birds are dense, waterproof feathers and long webbed feet. Their feathers are modified in such a way that they are highly resistant to water. Aquatic birds have high oil production which is spread to their wings to keep them water resistant. They possess long, webbed feet which helps them in swimming. Since aquatic birds lack fins, webbed feet help in both forward and backward swimming. Moreover, they possess streamlined bodies and dry feathers which help them in flying and keeping them warm in colder water. Their wings are short and often used as flippers to swim underwater. They have short, sharp beaks that help in catching fishes easily.

Understanding the options one by one,
(A) Webbed feet : This is the correct answer. Since aquatic birds lack fins, webbed feet help them in swimming in both forward and backward direction.
(B) Long legs : This is not the correct answer. Long and thin legs are found in wading birds, which allows them to walk through water easily and catch prey.
(C) Sharp claws : This is not the correct answer. Sharp claws are seen in preying birds like eagles, hawks, and owls which helps them to hold their prey firmly.
(D) Oily feathers : Birds possess preen gland on the back of their tail, which produces oil. This oil is rubbed all over their feathers to keep them clean and water resistant. This feature is commonly found in both terrestrial and aquatic birds. Hence, this is not the correct answer.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:Aquatic birds should not be confused with wading birds. Wading birds don't possess webbed feet. Instead, they possess long and thin legs which helps them to walk through water easily and catch fishes. Webbed feet is not the only adaptive feature found in aquatic birds. The other adaptive features are short beak, streamlined body, short wings, etc.