Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich (Struthio camelus) foot

Abstract

Introduction: Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one anatomical feature. It is mainly the special integuments on the ostrich foot which facilitate fast running on sand, because as point of direct sand contact they bear the whole weight and provide all the forward force. This study elucidates aspects of the integuments.

Keywords

• ostrich
• foot integuments
• microscopic and chemical analysis