A forked bone, also known as a furcula or wishbone, is a Y-shaped bone formed by the fusion of the two clavicles (collarbones).
More About the Furcula
The furcula is primarily found in birds and some species of non-avian dinosaurs. The term "furcula" comes from Latin, meaning "little fork".
Function in Birds
In birds, the furcula plays a vital role in flight by:
- Strengthening the thoracic skeleton: The furcula acts as a brace, making the bird's chest more rigid to withstand the stresses of flight.
- Spring-like action: The furcula flexes during wing beats, storing energy and releasing it to aid in the next upstroke, improving flight efficiency. This is still debated, but it is believed to assist respiration in flight.
Wishbone Tradition
The furcula is commonly known as a wishbone because of a popular tradition where two people each hold one end of the bone and make a wish. They then pull until the bone breaks, and the person holding the larger piece is said to have their wish granted.
Furcula in Dinosaurs
Some non-avian dinosaurs also possessed furculae. Its function in dinosaurs is still debated, but it may have served a similar purpose as in birds by strengthening the shoulder girdle.
In summary, a forked bone, or furcula, is a fused clavicle bone, usually Y-shaped, found in birds and certain dinosaurs, primarily functioning to strengthen the chest for flight in birds.
