Question

The wishbone of birds is
(a)Sternum
(b)Scapula
(c)Coracoid
(d)Clavicle

Answer 1

These bones help in the flight and movement of the birds and are also called by the other name furcula. It is generally located in the region near the shoulder and helps the birds in lifting their wings for flying.

Complete answer:
The wishbone of the birds is made up of two Clavicles together and is known as furcula. It is generally present in the case of birds but is also observed in some other animals too. Their main function is lifting the wings of the birds and preparing them for flight.

Additional Information: -The wishbone or furcula is responsible for the strengthening of the thoracic cavity in the case of birds.
-This thoracic cavity expands a lot at the time of birds preparing themselves for flight and then contracts.
-When the thoracic cavity expands then the wings are pulled downwards and then they raise and snap backward preparing for flight.
-These furcula bones help in storing and conserving the energy as they restore to their original position and snap backward.
-Furcula is found to be very important in giving strength to the shoulders of the birds but there are certain species of the birds that do not have furcula and it is completely absent in them. The birds are found to still be flying and these birds include some owls, parrots, scrubbirds, etc.
-In some birds furcula are found to be vestigial or in the opposite direction and even hollow, large, and stiff in the case of falcons, and cranes.
-Furcula is sometimes found to even help a few birds in the process of respiration also.
So, the correct answer is ‘Clavicle’.

Note: The clavicle is also known as Collar bone. When two clavicles join together they form a fork-shaped furcula bone. The term Furcula is derived from the Latin word, meaning ‘little fork’. In ancient times the wishbones were thought to be having good luck and were worn by peoples and were used in making the pendants and necklaces.