A pair of closely related bird species includes one that migrates long distances over the course of months and another that has evolved near-flightlessness on its island home.What might you expect to find when comparing the breast muscles (used for flight) of these species?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The migrant species would have relatively larger amounts of red muscle because this type of muscle is better adapted for sustained, aerobic activity required for long-distance flight compared to white muscle fibers. The near-flightless island species would not have as much need for red muscle since they do not fly as much or as far.

A Pair of Closely Related Bird Species Includes One That