Schoen: Vestigial Structure in an Animal

Emu

Dromaius novaehollandiae

Location: 42^o03’54.51”N, 71^o35’04.25”W

Ostrich

Struthio camelus

Location: 42^o03’54.51”N, 71^o35’04.25”W

Both Emus and Ostriches are flightless birds. Their wings are considered vestigial structures because they no longer use them for flying as their ancestors once did.