Question

what are the general characteristics of flightless birds about 500 words in points​

Answer 1

Flightless birds still have wings, but their wings are typically smaller or less fully developed than birds that fly. The feather shapes may be different, such as looking fluffy like fur or being tiny and compact for insulation while swimming. the adaptation o f flightless bird is 1) Hollow, strutted, or spongy bone. Many bones are pneumatic (contain air sacs within hollow insides). 2) Fusion of many bones, including vertebrae appendages, and girdles - also provides rigidity to skeleton that is necessary for flight. 4) Feathers - lightweight yet well-adapted for aerodynamics and insulation.Flightless birds are birds which cannot fly. ... Two key differences between flying and flightless birds are the smaller wing bones of flightless birds and the absent (or greatly reduced) keel on their breastbone. The keel anchors muscles needed for wing movement. Flightless birds also have more feathers than flying birds.

Answer 2

Answer:

Flightless birds are birds that through evolution lost the ability to fly.[1] There are over 60 extant species,[2] including the well known ratites (ostriches, emu, cassowaries, rheas and kiwi) and penguins. The smallest flightless bird is the Inaccessible Island rail (length 12.5 cm, weight 34.7 g). The largest (both heaviest and tallest) flightless bird, which is also the largest living bird, is the ostrich (2.7 m, 156 kg). Ostriches are farmed for their decorative feathers, meat and their skins, which are used to make leather.