Ostriches and emus are both members of the family Struthionidae which contains all eight species of large flightless bird native to Africa and Australia. The two groups are the only living representatives of this once widespread and diverse family.
The family Struthionidae is generally considered to be monophyletic with the ostriches and emus being the most basal members. The available evidence indicates that the African ostrich is the most basal member of the group followed by the Australian emus.
The molecular evidence indicates that the split between the African ostrich and the Australian emus occurred around 41 million years ago. This is in agreement with the fossil evidence which suggests that the last common ancestor of the two groups was alive around 50-60 million years ago.
The African ostrich is the largest bird in the world and the Australian emus are the second largest. The two groups are similar in many ways but there are also some notable differences.
For example ostriches have two toes on each foot while emus have three. Ostriches also have a significantly longer neck and their beaks are more narrow and pointed. Emus on the other hand have a more rounded body and their beaks are more blunt.
Another difference between the two groups is that ostriches are found in Africa while emus are found in Australia. This is likely due to the fact that Africa was never connected to Australia meaning that the two groups have been isolated from each other for a very long time.
Despite the fact that they are only distantly related ostriches and emus have a lot in common. Both groups are large flightless birds that are well-adapted to life on the ground. They are also both hunted by humans for their meat and feathers.
So while ostriches and emus are not closely related they do have a lot in common. They are both interesting and unique creatures that are definitely worth learning more about!
How are ostrich and emu related?
Ostrich and emu are related because they are both flightless birds.
What is the difference between an ostrich and an emu?
The main difference between an ostrich and an emu is that an ostrich is much larger.
What do ostrich and emu eat?
Ostrich and emu both eat mostly plants but ostrich also eat insects.
Where do ostrich and emu live?
Ostrich and emu both live in Africa and Australia.
Do ostrich and emu lay eggs?
Yes both ostrich and emu lay eggs.
How big are ostrich and emu eggs?
Ostrich eggs are the largest of all bird eggs while emu eggs are only slightly smaller than chicken eggs.
How many eggs does an ostrich or emu lay?
An ostrich can lay up to 10 eggs at a time while an emu usually lays only 2-3.
How long does it take ostrich and emu eggs to hatch?
It takes 40-45 days for an ostrich egg to hatch while an emu egg hatches in about 30 days.
Who takes care of the eggs?
In most cases it is the female ostrich or emu who incubates the eggs and takes care of the young.
What is the lifespan of an ostrich or emu?
The average lifespan of an ostrich is 20-30 years while an emu typically lives for 10-20 years.
Are ostrich and emu endangered?
No ostrich and emu are not currently endangered.
What is the world’s heaviest bird?
The world’s heaviest bird is the ostrich.
What is the world’s tallest bird?
The world’s tallest bird is the ostrich.
What is the world’s fastest bird?
The world’s fastest bird is the ostrich.
Do people eat ostrich and emu meat?
Yes people do eat both ostrich and emu meat.
