Birds:
1. Feathers and Wings: Birds have specialized feathers called flight feathers or remiges, which are arranged in a specific way on their wings. These feathers provide lift and allow birds to maneuver in the air.
2. Tail Feathers: The tail feathers of birds also play a crucial role in steering and balancing. They help control the bird's direction and act as a rudder during turns and landings.
3. Muscular Control: Birds have well-developed flight muscles that control the movement of their wings and tail feathers. They use these muscles to flap their wings and adjust the angle of their feathers to change direction and maintain stability.
4. Avian Vestibular System: Birds possess a highly developed vestibular system, which consists of fluid-filled canals and sensory organs in the inner ear. This system helps them maintain balance, spatial orientation, and coordination during flight.
Fishes:
1. Fins: Fishes use their fins for steering and maneuvering in the water. The pectoral and pelvic fins, located at the front and back of the body, respectively, act as rudders to change direction and maintain balance.
2. Caudal Fin (Tail Fin): The caudal fin, or tail fin, is the most important steering organ in fishes. It provides thrust and allows fishes to make turns and quick movements.
3. Median and Paired Fins: In addition to the pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins, fishes may have other fins such as dorsal fins, anal fins, and adipose fins. These fins contribute to stability, maneuvering, and maintaining the fish's position in the water.
4. Lateral Line System: Fishes have a unique sensory system called the lateral line system, which consists of a series of sensory cells along the body's sides. It helps them detect movement and changes in water pressure, allowing them to navigate and respond to their surroundings.
5. Body Shape and Muscles: The body shape of a fish, including its streamlined body contours and muscular structure, also plays a role in steering and controlling movement.
It's important to note that different bird and fish species may have variations and adaptations in their steering mechanisms, but these general principles apply to most birds and fishes.