Classification!!
So you’re probably wondering, “Where does the Mute Swan fit in this world?” Well… Let me break it down for you…
Domain: Eukarya
All members classified in the Eukarya domain possess membrane
bound organelles and a true nucleus.
Kingdom: Animalia
All members classified in the Kingdom Animalia
are multicellular.
Their cells are organized into groups
called tissues and lack cell walls.
They do not undergo photosynthesis but
rather ingest their nutrients; this means that they are
heterotrophs.
Phylum: Chordata
All members in the Phylum Chordata possess (at
some point in development) a notochord, dorsal nerve cord,
endostyle, pharyngeal pouches and a
postanal tail.
Class: Aves
All members in this class are called birds!
They have wings, a beak, internal
fertilization, amniotic eggs, air cavities in their skeleton,
and are endothermic.
Order: Anseriformes
All members of this order have feet that are either partially or
entirely webbed.
They also all live near aquatic environments and have a
broad flat bill.
Animals within this group include
ducks,
geese, and swans (like the
black-necked swan; a relative of the Mute!).
Family: Anatidae
All members in the Anatidae family have fully
webbed feet and are good swimmers.
This is partially due to the special
oils found in their feathers that repel water.
Genus: Cygnus
All
members in the Cygnus Genus are swans and are characterized by
their long slender neck, white plumage and breathtaking beauty.
The phylogenetic tree to the right shows a break of this Genus
into its species!
Species: Cygnus olor
The more common name for this species is the Mute Swan!
The species name olor
literally means swan!
Click the Next button below to learn about the Nutrition of the Mute Swan!