i mean penguins use theirs to swim.....thats all
2006-08-09 15:20:21 · 16 answers · asked by alan r 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
at one time in their evolutionary history, ostriches could fly, but apparently it wasn't useful for them to fly, so by natural selection, flying was phased out in their species.
2006-08-09 15:27:05 · answer #1 · answered by miss advice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are birds, their ancestors DID fly. Evolutional changes made the ostriches' legs longer and stronger so that it could outrun and injure it's enemies. It lives on a savannah and there are few trees where it could fly to get away from a predator. As a result, the legs got stronger and the wings got smaller.
2006-08-09 16:40:13 · answer #2 · answered by PuttPutt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ostriches can control heat loss during cold weather by covering its thighs with its wings. During hot weather, Ostriches control their temperature by lifting and moving their wings. By doing this, they create a gentle breeze.
2006-08-09 16:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by Sly 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For balance. But what if they used to fly? Wouldnt it be cool to see an ostrich flying overhead?
2006-08-09 15:27:32 · answer #4 · answered by mynamesapain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to help them run. I saw an ostrich out run a zebra once.
2006-08-13 07:37:30 · answer #5 · answered by reneelost 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wings are vestigal like the appendix, are no longer useful.
2006-08-10 01:24:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple evolution. Almost all birds have wings, but they don't necessarily use them. Why do we have appendixes???
2006-08-09 15:30:55 · answer #7 · answered by *starry* eyed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above.
2006-08-13 14:45:13 · answer #8 · answered by iam1shoppindiva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe to fight with? I am guessing to defend themselfs. But that is my guess.
2006-08-09 15:26:57 · answer #9 · answered by Josh S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To help them balance when they run?
2006-08-09 15:26:36 · answer #10 · answered by hagren 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋