Which combination of traits characterizes the Whooping Crane's placement in Class Aves?
Answer
Feathers, beaked jaws lacking teeth, and hard-shelled eggs
The classification of an organism into the Class Aves is based on several defining physical characteristics. Birds are universally recognized by the presence of feathers, which are crucial for insulation and flight. They possess jaws modified into a toothless beak. Furthermore, avian reproduction involves the laying of hard-shelled eggs. Combined with features like a high metabolic rate and a highly efficient four-chambered heart, these traits distinguish birds like the Whooping Crane from other vertebrate classes.
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