What is the furcula?
Q: What is the furcula?
A: The furcula is a forked bone in birds and some extinct dinosaurs, commonly called the wishbone.
Q: What is the main function of the furcula in birds?
A: The main function of the furcula in birds is to strengthen the thoracic skeleton to withstand the forces of flight.
Q: How is the furcula formed in birds?
A: The furcula in birds is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles (shoulder blades).
Q: What is the function of the furcula during flight?
A: During flight, the furcula acts like a spring and stores some of the energy generated by contraction of the breast muscles, releasing the energy during the upstroke as the furcula snaps back to the normal position, which draws the shoulders toward the midline of the body.
Q: Is the furcula essential for flying in birds?
A: Surprisingly, the furcula is not essential for flying in birds, and there are a number of birds which can fly well, but have a reduced furcula, or none at all.
Q: Did theropod dinosaurs have furculae?
A: Yes, several groups of theropod dinosaurs had furculae.
Q: What does the term "strut" mean in relation to the furcula?
A: In relation to the furcula, "strut" refers to a structure which resists compression (pushing together) along its length.
