RATITE BIRD Meaning and
Definition
-
A ratite bird refers to a group of flightless birds characterized by a flat breastbone, or sternum, without the keel structure found in most flying birds. This group includes iconic species such as the ostrich, emu, kiwi, cassowary, and rhea.
Ratite birds possess a unique evolutionary adaptation that sets them apart from other avian species. The absence of a keel provides them with a reduced ability or complete inability to fly. Instead, these birds have adapted to living and thriving on the ground. Their wings are generally weak and small, preventing them from achieving sustained or high-altitude flight.
These birds are known for their extraordinary diversity in terms of size, habitat, and appearance. The ostrich, for instance, holds the title of being the largest living bird while being predominantly found in the open plains and semi-deserts of Africa. On the other hand, the kiwi, a much smaller ratite bird, is native to New Zealand, dwelling in dense forests.
The ratite group exhibits intriguing anatomical and behavioral characteristics. For instance, all ratite birds have a unique reproductive system in which the males are responsible for incubating and brooding the eggs. Their diet also varies, with some species being herbivores, while others are omnivores or even predators. Despite their inability to fly, ratite birds have thrived and adapted to the diverse environments in which they reside.
Common Misspellings for RATITE BIRD
- eatite bird
- datite bird
- fatite bird
- tatite bird
- 5atite bird
- 4atite bird
- rztite bird
- rstite bird
- rwtite bird
- rqtite bird
- rarite bird
- rafite bird
- ragite bird
- rayite bird
- ra6ite bird
- ra5ite bird
- ratute bird
- ratjte bird
- ratkte bird
Etymology of RATITE BIRD
The etymology of the word "ratite bird" can be understood by analyzing its components individually.
The term "ratite" comes from the Latin word "ratites", which means "featherless". In ornithology, ratites refer to a group of flightless birds characterized by a flat breastbone or keel-less sternum. Examples of ratite birds include ostriches, emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis.
The word "bird" has its roots in the Old English word "brid", which means "young bird". It further traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "*brudiz", the Proto-Indo-European word "*bhrū-", and eventually to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bher-", which means "to fly".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
