Abstract
IN looking over a collection of skins early in the present year, I was struck by the recurrence of the pectination of the claw of the third digit in many different orders of birds; such a structure occurring among the owls, nightjars, herons, and gannets. The fact is, of course, well known; but the popular explanation of it—that the serration is useful in enabling the bird to hold its prey (fish, &c.) more securely—cannot be correct: first, because the serration is small in extent, and only present in a single claw; and secondly, because it is at the side, and not on the under surface, of that claw. At the same time, it is too widespread and well-marked a characteristic not to be functional.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
TITCHENER, E. Pectination. Nature 43, 103–104 (1890). https://doi.org/10.1038/043103e0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/043103e0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
