Table of Contents 1.Evolution 2.Homeostasis 3.Energy & Matter 4.Reproduction 5.Development 6.Ecology 7.Autobiography of Researcher 8.Work cited

Evolution of the Lightning Bird The Lightning Bird is a species that evolved from the raptor family of birds. Its closest relative is the falcon. The tropical islands they exist on have frequent violent storms with massive temperature drops. Lightning Bird fossils were found that are million years old. These show the first signs of a mutation that allowed these birds to produce a chemical in their wings that creates heat and orange light. This adaptation allowed them to meet the selective pressure of cold weather.

Homeostasis of the Lightning Bird The Lightning Bird has a delicate dynamic equilibrium. Its body stores chemicals that mix to make light and heat so it needs to keep them separate in Endocrine Glands and only releases them in the right amounts. Since Endocrine Glands control emotions too, Lightening Birds that get too angry sometimes explode. Their Nervous Systems are designed to minimize the amount of stimulation they get from the environment so the do not get too excited. Their Circulatory System has one heart with two chambers. One chamber sends deoxygenated blood to the lungs and the other sends oxygenated blood to the body.

Energy and Matter Exchange in the Lightning Bird The Lightning Bird is in the middle of its food chain. Its predators are anaconda snakes, which eats its eggs or chicks if it finds a nest. The Lightning Bird is a fungivore. Its prey is two kinds of mushrooms. There is a bright red glowing fungus that grows on treetops and a yellow glowing fungus found on the forest floor. The mushrooms contain luciferin, which is found also in Lightning Bugs. The Lightning Bird has a simple digestion system with a combined stomach/pancreas. The stomach is a storage space that the pancreas releases enzymes into. Like all birds, the Lightning Bird has hollow bones and lean muscles for a light body weight.

Continuity of Genes in the Lightning Bird Lightning Birds are asexual reproducers. They are the only bird that reproduces this way. The parent bird has uterus-like structure that produces eggs with chicks that are clones. Evolutionary Psychologists believe the birds evolved to stop having courtship rituals, as they would get to excited and be in danger exploding. The only individuals that survive to pass on their genes are the ones that can maintain their emotional homeostasis.

Development of the Lightning Bird The Lightning Birds make nests out mosses and mud. This makes them both soft and durable. When eggs are laid the parent sits on top and ignites its luciferin. It glows brightly and gently warms the 3-5 eggs for up to 48 hours straight until either the eggs hatch or the parent collapses. The chicks are born without feathers or the ability to glow. It is not until their mother feeds them the regurgitated mushrooms do they gain the ability. At two weeks old the have grown their feathers and leave the nest for a life of solitude.

Evolution of the Lightning Bird Ecology of the Lightning Bird The Lightning Bird has a very specific niche. It must live in or near trees that have both kinds of fungus it eats. It has a very narrow fundamental niche, as it cannot live where there are many competitors or predators. It could use its claws and fast flying speed in a fight but it risks getting too excited. Lightning Birds migrate once a year, in the autumn, to avoid hurricane season. The islands they migrate to have a limited amount of resources so the Lightning Bird has to return back to its usual forests as soon as the storms pass.

Autobiography of Researcher Derian Capodagli was born 03/02/01 in Paris, France. By the age of ten he was already reading and writing at a High School level. When his orphanage burned down he was given a chance to go to school at University of Tokyo, Japan. He discovered the Lightening Bird while studying tropical birds in the Anambas islands. He was camping under a tree when he saw it light up the dark sky.

Workcited 1."How Do Fireflies Light Up?" HowStuffWorks. Web. 07 June "The Anambas Islands | Visit Indonesia - Official Website for Indonesia Tourism and Travel Information." The Anambas Islands | Visit Indonesia - Official Website for Indonesia Tourism and Travel Information. Web. 07 June "Firefly (Lightning Bug)." National Geographic. Web. 07 June "The Earth Life Web, The Anatomy of Birds." The Earth Life Web, The Anatomy of Birds. Web. 07 June "Submission Details." Lightning Bird by Rhashid on Artician. Web. 07 June