Question

Furcula in the ratite is
A. Well developed
B. Reduced
C. Normal
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Ratite is a group of mostly large, long legged flightless birds such as emu, rhea, ostrich, moa, etc. These birds have small or rudimentary wings and no keel on the sternum.

Complete Answer:
- Furcula is called the wishbone. The furcula is a forked bone in birds and some other species of dinosaurs. Furcula is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles (collar bone).
- In birds, the primary function of the furcula is in the strengthening of the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigors of the flight.
- The furcula may be attached to the shoulder and may also be fused to the sternum (breastbone) or simply attached with the strong and stiff tendon.

Furcula of ratites: In ratites, the furcula is almost absent or reduced. Their breast bone is under-developed.
They do not have a keeled sternum.

Hence, option B is the correct option for this question.

Note: A bone is a rigid organ which constitutes the part of skeleton in the animals. Bones protect the various organs of the body from any kind of injury. Bones provide structure and support to the body.