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Aves - Palaeognathae - Struthioniformes - Casuariidae - Dromaiinae - Dromaius - Dromaius novaehollandiae

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Dromaius novaehollandiae (Emu)


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Species Description
The Emu is the largest bird native to Australia, and the second largest bird in the world. Standing up to 2m tall, the Emu is a ratite and, like its closest relative the cassowary (or other ratites, like ostriches and kiwis), the Emu lacks a sternal keel. However, it has large calf muscles, and it can sprint up to 50 km/h. The Emu prefers open woodlands and savannah, where it grazes for plants and insects; it also swallows pebbles to aid with the digestion of tough plant material. The Emu is opportunistically nomadic, and will range great distances for food. While it normally travels in pairs (or small family groups), the Emu will flock in large numbers when migrating.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

Right Tarsometatarsus (Right Fused Element Consisting of Ankle and Middle Foot Bones)

Left Tarsometatarsus (Left Fused Element Consisting of Ankle and Middle Foot Bones)

Sternum (Breast Bone)
External Links
Animal Diversity Web
Encyclopedia of Life
Wikipedia Emu Page

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