Ostriches are unique among birds in the way their knees bend. Most birds have what is called a patella or kneecap which sits atop the knee and helps to protect the joint. Ostriches however do not have a patella. Instead their knees are covered with a tough fibrous tissue that helps to protect the joint.
The way an ostrich’s knee bends is also unique. Most birds have what is called a “plantarflexed” knee which means that the knee joint bends in such a way that the foot points downward. Ostriches on the other hand have a “palmigrade” knee which means that the knee joint bends in such a way that the foot points backward.
The reason for this difference is not fully understood but it is thought to be related to the different way that ostriches and other birds walk. Ostriches tend to walk in a more upright position with their weight borne on their toes while other birds tend to walk more on their heels. This different walking style may put different stresses on the knee joint which may account for the different way that the joint bends.
Whatever the reason the unique way that ostriches’ knees bend is just one of the many things that make these amazing birds so special.
How many stomachs does an ostrich have?
An ostrich has four stomachs.
What is the scientific name for an ostrich?
The scientific name for an ostrich is Struthio camelus.
What is the average lifespan of an ostrich?
The average lifespan of an ostrich is 30 to 40 years.
How many eggs can an ostrich lay at one time?
An ostrich can lay 10 to 12 eggs at one time.
What is the top speed of an ostrich?
The top speed of an ostrich is 43 mph.
What is the tallest recorded ostrich ever?
The tallest recorded ostrich ever was 9 feet 5 inches.
What is the weight of an ostrich?
The weight of an ostrich is between 140 and 290 pounds.
What does an ostrich eat?
An ostrich eats mostly plants and seeds but will also occasionally eat insects lizards and small mammals.
Where do ostriches live?
Ostriches live in Africa.
What is the smallest recorded ostrich?
The smallest recorded ostrich was 3 feet 5 inches.
What is the difference between a male and female ostrich?
The difference between a male and female ostrich is that the male has black feathers and the female has brown feathers.
How many toes does an ostrich have?
An ostrich has two toes.
What is the average weight of an ostrich egg?
The average weight of an ostrich egg is 3 pounds.
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
It takes an ostrich egg 42 days to hatch.
What is the largest recorded ostrich egg?
The largest recorded ostrich egg was 9 pounds.
