Not all birds can fly. The ostrich is called an ostrich because it has the characteristics of a bird.
The ostrich, an animal belonging to the order Ostrichidae, is the largest bird in the world. Ostriches generally live in desert grasslands and savannas in Africa. Because their feathers, skin and meat have high economic value, they grow quickly and have strong fecundity, so they are widely domesticated in many countries.
1. Ostrich has bird characteristics
Ostrich is a bird because it conforms to the characteristics of birds. That is, bipedal, warm-blooded, egg-laying vertebrates: their bodies are streamlined, spindle-shaped or fusiform, have wings, and most of them can fly. The body surface of birds is covered with feathers, and generally the forelimbs become wings (some species have vestigial wings); the rectum is short, the food intake is large, and the digestion is fast; the body temperature is constant. Therefore, ostriches are birds, just because ostriches basically do not need wings to survive and no longer need to fly.
2. Ostrich cannot fly
Since ostrich is the largest bird in the world, it weighs 300 kilograms, is 2-3 meters tall, and has a long neck. and thick feet. Because it is too bulky and its living habits prevent it from flying very much, it cannot fly. Its toes are thick and powerful, suitable for running quickly on the grassland.
3. The function of ostrich wings
Although the flight function of ostrich has been degraded, its wings still play a certain role. Once an ostrich adapts to the environment and her legs and toes work well together, she can run as fast as flying. Its sprint speed can reach 70 kilometers per hour. At the same time, the thick legs are also the main defensive weapons, and can even kill lions and leopards. When an ostrich runs with the wind, its wings can be used as sails to help it run, and can also block the sun. The baby ostriches sometimes hide under the huge wings of their mother. When an enemy approaches, the ostrich will also flap its wings to demonstrate to the enemy.
Readers, what do you think the ostrich wings are used for? Welcome to express your opinion in the comment area.