12.1. Archilochus alexandri: Back Chinned Hummingbird http://www.ck12.org
Ecology
The black chinned hummingbird has eukaryotic cells, like all plants and animals. Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus
and organelles. Organelles are like miniature organs in a cell. In the eukaryotic cell, you will find the nucleus, which
is an organelle that contains genetic material. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell; they provide lots of
energy. The vesicles are like small sacs that transport materials around the cell. Ribosomes are the non-membrane-
bound organelles where the proteins are made. The Golgi bodies work like a mail room. The Golgi body receives
proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum and transports them in the cell or to the cell membrane. During mitosis
the cell divides, and each new cell contains a copy of the DNA in original cell. During meiosis the cell divides to
produce gametes with one half of the chromosomes of the original cell. Chromosomes are made of DNA, which has
genes with codes for traits such as the color of the bird’s feathers.
Anatomy and Physiology
The black chinned hummingbird lays only two eggs during her cycle. The eggs are most always white. The black
chinned hummingbird has parts such as the bill, chin, crow, wings, chest, flank, foot, tail, throat, and rump. The
average hummingbird heartbeat is about 408 beats per minute. On cold nights they go into a state of torpidity,
and then their heart rate drops to 45 to 180 beats per minute.The breath rate when sleeping is 245 breaths per
minute. They have a four-chambered heart. The four-chambered heart is important because it delivers oxygen for
the hummingbird’s high metabolism.
Behavior
The black chinned hummingbird hovers over flowers and darts directly at swarming bugs to chase them off. The
female incubates the eggs for 13 to 14 days. She feeds and covers for her young for 20 to 21 days till they become
independent. The males dive off of trees almost as high as 66-100 feet in the air for territorial defense.
References
- http://www.allaboutbirds.org/
- http://www.ck12.org/biology/Bird-Evolution/lesson/Bird-Evolution/
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
- http://naturebytesvideo.com/
- http://www.suttoncenter.org/pages/its_all_about_birds
Attribution
Authors
- Christine Meggett
Supervising Faculty
- Amy Huff Shah