What structural adaptation grants the Wattled Jacana its nickname, the "Jesus Bird"?
Answer
Disproportionately large feet distributing weight widely across floating flora
The common name "Jesus Bird" arises directly from the bird's unique method of locomotion across aquatic environments. This capability is achieved through exceedingly long and slender toes equipped with sharp claws. These appendages distribute the bird's weight over a broad surface area, allowing it to move across floating vegetation mats, such as water lily pads and water hyacinth, as if they were solid ground. This adaptation is a marvel of structural engineering specifically suited for traversing unstable aquatic surfaces.
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