Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reveals Independent Evolution of Ostriches and Emus

10/12/2025

50 11

Summary

Story summary

A recent study finds ostriches and emus evolved independently from flying ancestors, not from a common flightless lineage.
Genetic data indicate palaeognath lineages separated long after the breakup of supercontinent Pangea.
Lithornis promiscuus had a sternum similar to long-distance flyers, suggesting continental travel.
As these birds became ground-dwellers, they lost flight, while the dodo thrived until human arrival.

1 of 1

Story summary

A recent study finds ostriches and emus evolved independently from flying ancestors, not from a common flightless lineage.
Genetic data indicate palaeognath lineages separated long after the breakup of supercontinent Pangea.
Lithornis promiscuus had a sternum similar to long-distance flyers, suggesting continental travel.
As these birds became ground-dwellers, they lost flight, while the dodo thrived until human arrival.