Rheidae (Noun)
Meaning
A family of birds coextensive with the order Rheiformes.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Rheidae is a family of flightless birds found in South America, coextensive with the order Rheiformes.
- The order Rheiformes is made up of a single family, Rheidae, composed entirely of ratites.
- Studies suggest that Rheidae, which include ratites such as the greater and the lesser rhea, are closely related to other flightless birds like the ostrich and emu.
- Characterized by long powerful legs, birds in the family Rheidae are adapted for running rather than flying.
- Rheidae have been around for centuries, as fossil evidence suggests that this family of birds has been roaming the continent since the Eocene epoch.