a forked bone formed by the fusion of the clavicles of most birds

pl. furculae the V-shaped bone in certain theropod groups, including birds, formed by the fusion of the clavicles at the sternum. Also called the "wishbone" (see figure 12)

The fused 'collar' bones of birds and some Theropods

The "wishbone." A structure unique to modern birds, formed by the apical fusion of the two collarbones (clavicles).

The furcula is the "wishbone" of birds.

The forked bone formed by the union of the collar-bones in many birds, such as the common fowl. 78

The furcula ("little fork" in Latin) is a forked bone found in birds and some theropod dinosaur species, formed by the fusion of the two clavicles. It first appears in the fossil record in the archosaur Longisquamahttp://www.dinodata.org/index.php. In birds, its function is the strengthening of the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigors of flight.

The furcula is a tail-like appendage shaped like a fork, found on the fourth abdominal segment of springtails. Present in most species, it is used for jumping when the animal is threatened. While at rest, it is folded under the abdomen and held there by a latch called "tenaculum", located on the third abdominal segment.