The question of whether an ostrich is a bird has been debated for centuries. Some say that an ostrich is not a bird because it cannot fly. Others say that an ostrich is a bird because it has feathers and lays eggs.
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. In order to understand whether an ostrich is a bird we must first understand what a bird is.
A bird is a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate with two legs wings and feathers. Birds are descendants of theropod dinosaurs and share many characteristics with them. For example both birds and dinosaurs have a furcula or wishbone.
Birds are distinguished from other vertebrates by several features. First birds have feathers. Second birds are the only vertebrates that can fly. Third birds have a special type of toothless beak. Fourth birds have a four-chambered heart.
So what about ostriches? Ostriches are not able to fly because they lack the keel bone which is necessary for flight. However ostriches do have feathers. In fact their feathers are very similar to those of birds. Ostriches also have a four-chambered heart.
Interestingly some scientists believe that ostriches are more closely related to dinosaurs than they are to birds. This is based on the fact that ostriches have a claw on their second toe while birds do not.
So are ostriches birds? The answer is not clear. Ostriches share some characteristics with birds but not all. Ultimately whether or not an ostrich is considered a bird is a matter of definition.
Is an ostrich a bird?
Yes an ostrich is a bird.
What class does an ostrich belong to?
An ostrich belongs to the class Aves.
What order does an ostrich belong to?
An ostrich belongs to the order Struthioniformes.
What family does an ostrich belong to?
An ostrich belongs to the family Struthionidae.
What genus does an ostrich belong to?
An ostrich belongs to the genus Struthio.
What is the body mass of an ostrich?
The average body mass of an ostrich is 104 kg.
What is the body length of an ostrich?
The average body length of an ostrich is 2.
1 m.
What is the wing length of an ostrich?
The average wing length of an ostrich is 1.
4 m.
What is the tail length of an ostrich?
The average tail length of an ostrich is 20 cm.
What is the height of an ostrich?
The average height of an ostrich is 1.
8 m.
What is the lifespan of an ostrich?
The lifespan of an ostrich is 30 to 40 years.
What is the weight of an ostrich egg?
The average weight of an ostrich egg is 1.
4 kg.
How many eggs does an ostrich lay?
An ostrich typically lays 10 to 12 eggs.
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
It takes approximately 42 days for an ostrich egg to hatch.
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches typically eat seeds plants and insects.
