Waterfowl belong to which taxonomic class?

Waterfowl are classified under the taxonomic class Aves, which encompasses all birds. This classification is based on characteristics unique to birds, such as feathers, beaks, and the ability to lay eggs with hard shells. Aves includes a wide variety of species, with waterfowl being a specific subset that includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are adapted for life in aquatic environments, demonstrating features such as webbed feet and a body shape suited for swimming.

Mammalia refers to mammals, which are warm-blooded and have hair or fur, giving birth to live young in most cases, differing significantly from the characteristics of birds. Reptilia includes reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, which have scaly skin and typically lay eggs, but do not possess the defining traits of birds. Amphibia is the class that includes frogs, toads, and salamanders, known for their life cycles that typically involve both aquatic and terrestrial stages. Each of these classes has distinct biological and ecological features, further distinguishing them from Aves and the specific adaptations seen in waterfowl.