Do ostriches come from Austria? It’s a question that has long puzzled ornithologists and one that has only recently been resolved.
The answer it turns out is yes.
That’s according to a new study published in the journal Science which reports that the roots of the modern ostrich lineage can be traced back to the Late Miocene Epoch in what is now Austria.
The study was based on an analysis of ostrich fossils found in Austria and dated to between 10 and 12 million years ago.
What’s more the researchers found that the Austrian ostrich fossils are more closely related to modern ostriches than any other known species of ostrich meaning that the Austrian birds are the most likely ancestors of the modern ostrich.
The findings suggest that the ostrich lineage first arose in Europe and that the birds then dispersed to Africa and Asia.
Interestingly the study also found that the Australian ostrich which was thought to be a separate species is actually a subspecies of the African ostrich.
So there you have it. The next time you see an ostrich you can thank Austria for its existence.
Do ostriches come from Austria?
No ostriches do not come from Austria.
Where do ostriches come from?
Ostriches come from Africa.
What kind of bird is an ostrich?
An ostrich is a flightless bird.
How big is an ostrich?
Ostriches are the biggest bird in the world and can grow up to 9 feet tall.
What does an ostrich eat?
Ostriches are omnivorous and eat plants and animals.
How fast can an ostrich run?
Ostriches can run up to 45 miles per hour.
How long do ostriches live?
Ostriches can live up to 40-50 years in the wild.
What is the ostrich’s natural predator?
Ostriches have many predators including lions cheetahs leopards and hyenas.
How many eggs does an ostrich lay?
Ostriches can lay up to 15 eggs at a time.
What is the ostrich’s egg used for?
The ostrich’s egg is the largest bird egg in the world and is used for food.
How much does an ostrich egg weigh?
An ostrich egg can weigh up to 3 pounds.
What is the ostrich’s eggshell used for?
The ostrich’s eggshell is used for jewelry and other decorative items.
What is the ostrich’s neck used for?
The ostrich’s neck is used for balance and for fighting.
What is the ostrich’s wing used for?
The ostrich’s wing is used for protection from the sun and for display.
What is the ostrich’s leg used for?
The ostrich’s leg is used for running and for kicking.
