Order Rheiformes (Noun)
Meaning
A ratite bird order: birds intermediate in characteristics between ostriches and emus: recent and extinct rheas.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The fossil record indicates that the order Rheiformes was more diverse in the past, with several extinct species found in South America and Australia.
- Rheas, which are part of the order Rheiformes, are flightless birds native to South America, characterized by their greyish-brown plumage and long legs.
- In the order Rheiformes, birds have strong legs and can run at high speeds, making them well-adapted to their environments.
- Taxonomists place the greater rhea, a large ratite bird, in the order Rheiformes, which also includes the lesser rhea and the puna rhea.
- Studies of the order Rheiformes have revealed that these birds share characteristics with both ostriches and emus, but are distinct enough to warrant their own taxonomic group.