Ostriches belong to non-flying birds, but at the same time have powerful two-meter wings.
Why nature has deprived them of the opportunity to rise into the sky and in return rewarded them with well-developed muscular and strong legs, let's understand together.
Why the ostrich does not fly: reasons
In the animal world, wild ostriches are distinguished by enviable survival. Living in African shrouds, they constantly undergo attacks from hungry predators and escape from them, thanks to their ability to run fast. In an hour, these birds can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers, which is not possible for every four-legged mammal. For comparison, the sprint athletes during running competitions overcome only 30 kilometers per hour.
Did you know? In their natural habitat, ostriches consider hyenas and jackals to be their worst enemies, who are ruining bird nests. Only chicks suffer from lions, tigers and other cats, as they cannot overcome adults.And when danger catches up close, powerful wings come to the rescue. Although they are not able to raise the feathered up, but allow, without reducing speed, to carry out a sharp change of direction. After such maneuvers of a potential prey to a predator exhausted in pursuit, time will be needed for recuperation.
For a long time, zoologists have tried to solve the mystery of the phenomenon of huge ostrich wings. And today they have explanations why ostriches are not able to fly. Consider the main reasons.Chest bone structure
The first factor, which excludes the possibility of flights of these giant birds, is the physiological structure of their chest cells. When compared with other birds, the absence of a specific outgrowth called keel becomes apparent. Studying bird skeletons, botanists noted the plane of the ostrich breast. This means that the pectoral muscles have nothing to fasten.
Did you know? The legs of ostriches are a killing weapon. For comparison, a horse’s hoof stroke is estimated at 20 kg per square centimeter, and an ostrich's punch ― in 30 kg! Such a force easily bends an iron bar of 1.5 centimeter thickness and smashes human bones.The keel is present not only in flying birds. Its presence was also found in some excavating animals that possess muscular, strongly developed forelimbs. Examples of such representatives of the fauna are moles, which also do not fly.
This happens because in birds and flying mice this part of the body is characterized by a special structure. Botanists even distinguish a separate group of so-called "keel", to which individuals with well developed thoracic outgrowth are credited.Did you know? Ostriches have no teeth. To grind and digest food, these birds swallow everything that comes their way: pieces of wood, small pebbles, nails, plastic fragments, iron parts.
The feature of the functional located in the thoracic bone keel is:
- strengthening the sternum;
- protection of vital organs;
- the possibility of fasteners of the muscular system involved in the movements of the forelimbs or wings;
- mobility of the thoracic skeleton, which affects the depth and frequency of respiration;
- ability to change the trajectory during the flight.
Underdeveloped musculature
The second reason why ostriches are deprived of the ability to soar in the sky follows from the physiological features of their skeleton. Since there is no bone growth in the fastener that is actively involved in the movements of the muscles, the soft fibers present are very weak. Moreover, due to the nuances of the structure, they can no longer develop. And to guarantee the flight and good wingspan can only strong, strong muscles attached to the keel.
Important! A farmer who deals with ostriches should always be alert. After all, feathered wards, though they remember their survivor well, but very aggressively react to sudden movements. That is why many breeders try to protect themselves from unforeseen aggression of birds by primitive bogeymen, which are tied to themselves. The main thing is that the height of this structure exceeds the height of the birds. Then, guided by the principle “who is taller, that is more important,” the pet will respectfully react even to the raised hand of the owner.
Moreover, on the underdeveloped ostrich wings, the plumage is characterized by a primitive structure. Feathers of this bird, including flywheels and helmsmen, differ in curliness and friability. They are more like fluff. Botanists explain this nuance by the lack of connections between the beards, which is an obstacle to the formation of dense plates-webs. 
Since the ostriches lack a keel, and with it the protection of vulnerable internal organs, a kind of thickened corn has formed on the surface of the sternum. It performs the function of support when the bird lies on the ground.
Too heavy
The third factor affecting the impossibility of flying ostriches is their heaviness. In the area, mature females with a growth of 2.7 meters weigh about 100 kg, and well-fed males - within 135-150 kg. Weights add feathered and massive two-fingered legs. They differ from other winged individuals not only by their excessive thickness, length, but also by their internal structure.
Important! To distinguish the female from the male, just look at the plumage of the bird. In the "girls" on the body it is grayish-brown, and on the tail and wings - dirty white. "Boys" look brighter and are characterized by black color with a pure white edging on the wings and tail.
Scientists have discovered that the tubular bones of flying representatives of the fauna are very light, and their composition is saturated with lime salt. The ostriches are different. Their bone tissue is completely devoid of air cavities, with the exception of the hips. 
In the process of evolution, due to the underdevelopment of the wings, the load on the hind limbs increased. As a result, the end of the pubic bones grew together and formed a closed pelvis, which is uncharacteristic of flying birds. In addition, on one of the ostrich fingers there is a small “hoof” that functions as a support. Overgrown bones began to grow and develop.
Find out what speed an ostrich develops when running, whether ostriches hide their heads in the sand, how an ordinary ostrich lives, how often ostriches carry eggs.
Did ostriches fly before: bird evolution
Little is known about the origin of the giant flightless birds. Modern systematics ornithologists and evolutionists are pushing two radically different versions of their appearance. According to the first, all ostrich-like animals originate from the middle of Cenozoic, developing on different continents, regardless of their ancestors. And adherents of the second theory claim that the birds of this series have one ancestor, which existed along with dinosaurs during the Mesozoic period. Genetic studies also confirm this theory.
Scientists believe that this ancient ancestor of all species of ostriches is the now extinct bird (Lithornithiformes), which lived about 55 million years ago. Her petrified remains were found in Europe and North America. Consequently, ostriches originally possessed the ability to fly. In this way they spread to all continents of the globe. 
A giant feathery needed a large takeoff run. That is why, according to evolutionists, the habitat of ancient ostrich-like birds narrowed. In addition, they did not know how to run fast and take off abruptly, as a result of which they became easy prey for predators. Therefore, winged heavyweights had to look for affordable methods of salvation.
As it turned out, the flight, if necessary, survival rescued much more often than flying. The new generation of chicks was given only by those who refused wings.
In the process of evolution, giant muscular legs began to develop in giant birds, and the wings ceased to fulfill their original purpose. This genetic trait was fixed with each new brood. As a result, the front limbs of modern ostriches are poorly developed. They are characterized by two fingers with claws at the ends and beautiful curly plumage.
Important! In captivity, ostriches give good indicators of productivity, subject to their year-round content in a uniform climate.Now you know all the factors that limit the ability of ostrich flights. But despite this feature, birds did not become less attractive for breeding. After all, ostrich farming for centuries remains in the ranking of profitable occupations.
