Palaeognath Birds

Palaeognath Birds Latest News

A new study by scientists from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom has found that Palaeognath Birds like Emus and rheas are not exactly ‘dumb’ as assumed to be. 

About Palaeognath Birds

• These are grouped together on the basis of their distinctive palate morphology, from which they receive their name (“old jaw”).
• Most of the birds classified in the Palaeognathae are also flightless, but not all flightless birds are classified in the Palaeognathae.
• These 50 bird species are very different from the other birds on the planet.
• They are the largest and heaviest avian specimens on Earth and may represent some of the first birds to evolve from dinosaurs.
• These birds are classified into two groups:
  • Tinamiformes: These species have a keeled sternum and can fly (weakly), which include the tinamous of South and Central America; and the 
  • Ratitae, or ratite birds: They have flat sterna and reduced wings, and cannot fly at all. Examples: The African ostrich, the rhea of South America the Australian emu and New Guinea cassowary; and the kiwi of New Zealand.

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Palaeognath Birds FAQs

Q1. What is a Palaeognathae in zoology?

Ans. Palaeognaths (Palaeognathae) comprise the large, flightless living ratites (emu, ostrich, cassowary and rhea) and their smaller, flying cousins; tinamou.

Q2. What is the difference between ratitae and carinatae birds?

Ans. Ratitae are running birds but they do not help in flying whereas carinate have well developed wings and are flying birds.

Source: DTH