Why do birds have wings when some cannot even fly ?

Answer 1

Some birds lost their ability to fly in the course of evolution, for instance ostriches adopted a different way of survival, developing stronger legs and walking fast, their bodies became heavier so it would cost more energy to lift these bodies from the ground. Wings were no longer necessary, but because evolution is slow some remnants remain.

Another example is the kiwi bird, this one didn't need to fly anymore because there were no predators on New Zealand. Just like the ostrich the wings become smaller but don't disappear altogether (they might in few more million years, but since the wings don't really give a disadvantage this is not very likely).

It happens all the time in evolution, humans, for instance still have remnants of a tail that is no longer there

Answer 2

Penguins 'fly' through the water. Other birds still use their wings for balance, and some have let them atropy to near nothing. 'Use it or lose it'. They also demonstrate that evolution in the direction of increased complexity doesn't really work. THAT requires the kind of nudge that only Intelligent Design can make. Random mutations cause the LOSS of function.

Answer 3

Evolution- all birds are of the same basic structure, however their abilities and particular features evolve as a result of necessity in their surroundings.

Take penguins for example- In an environment like the antarctic where there are fewer ground-dwelling predators, prototype penguins would have not needed to fly so much in order to survive. To conserve energy, they would have evolved a better way of using that energy that suited their needs and environment.

Answer 4

Owing to the results of evolutionary change and animal adaption over millions of years, the bird skeleton with its surrounding muscles and nervous system grew in size, shape and stature to suit the 'survival of the fittest' for their particular environment, and ecology. Therefore some birds use their wings for flying, others, like the penguin, use their wings as swimming flippers. Others, like the ostrich, use their wings for display and protection of their young.

Answer 5

Evolution dear. if the bird's food is found only on the ground and there are no predators, they would, in time, probably lose the full use of their wings. It is said that the extinct Dodo was a direct descendant of a far eastern pigeon and that couldn't fly.

Answer 6

evolution birds have been around for millions of years birds evolved flight so they could compete for food and escape predators over time some birds adapted to there surroundings so much they no longer needed flight others like the penguin took to water their wings adapted for swimming

Answer 7

a few different reasons... balance, defense, and sometimes they can use the wing to help them run or hop faster, even if they cant fly.

Answer 8

some birds have wings to glide them selves through water or keep them selves warm

Answer 9

they adapted from birds who can fly

Answer 10

They probably use to be able to fly many of thousand of years ago and that has changed with evolution. That would be my best guess.