Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Can someone suggest any ideas to make a model on the adaptations in flightless birds. I have to complete it by 17.02.14

Hi and welcome to Scibuddies,

What 'adaptations' did you have in mind? Since they can't fly away, some flightless birds like ostriches and emus have developed strong running muscles and powerful legs. They can also use the large claws on their feet as kick-boxing weapons against predators.

Penguins are much better adapted to swimming than running and their wings have evolved into something like a seal’s flippers. Being streamlined and swimming fast is how they can escape sharks and other biters.

What did you mean by a model? A physical construct? Did you have some hypothesis in mind that you want to test? If you can give us some details about what you are planning, we could help you better.

Cheers,

Sybee

Hello there,

I agree with SciB that if you provide a little more information on your main question, we'd be able to provide you with more advice. When you refer to "model", do you mean a physical model like SciB mentioned, or a theoretical model about how and why flightless birds have adapted to their particular lifestyle or habitat? Which flightless birds are you particularly interested in? What question are you trying to answer about the adaptations of flightless birds?

Post back with more details and we'll be glad to help you brainstorm!

Best,
Connie

Thank you for your fast reply. Due to some network problem, I was unable to be online. Anyway, thanks for your help. I finished my project. By model, I meant a physical model.