Question

The primary function of feathers in birds is to:

• A. Provide a rigid surface for flying
• B. Form a water proof covering over the body
• C. Help in sexual attraction
• D. Prevent loss of heat from body for thermoregulation

Answer 1

The correct option is D Prevent loss of heat from body for thermoregulation

• Feather provides many functions to birds like flying, controlling body temperature, floating etc.
• But the primary function of feathers in birds is to insulate birds from water and cold temperatures thereby prevent loss of heat from the body for thermoregulation.
• Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is very different.
  

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.