Where does the woodpecker's exceptionally long tongue bone (hyoid apparatus) anchor for storage?
Answer
Near the nostrils, looping over the back of the skull
The structural necessity of fitting the long tongue inside the head forces the hyoid apparatus to loop up over the back of the skull and anchor near the nostrils.
Related Questions
To which biological family do woodpeckers belong?What specialized toe arrangement do woodpeckers have for clinging vertically to tree trunks?Where does the woodpecker's exceptionally long tongue bone (hyoid apparatus) anchor for storage?What primary function do a woodpecker's stiff, wedge-shaped tail feathers serve while clinging to a tree?What specific cranial feature acts as a natural shock absorber against drumming forces?How is the woodpecker's hardened, chisel-shaped bill maintained?What aspect of the woodpecker generally shows wide variation between species, contrasting with their uniform feeding mechanics?What two surface features on the tongue aid in capturing insects once the bird probes a cavity?Besides excavating for food, what is the main purpose of the behavior known as 'drumming'?Which large woodpecker species is specifically known for its prominent bright red crest?What level of concussive force can the skulls of some small woodpeckers withstand when drumming?