We are now going to look further at biogeography as evidence for evolution.

Study the three pictures below.

Images show picture of Ostrich, Emu and Rhea birds
  1. Based upon physical characteristics, would you say that the ostrich, emu, and rhea share a common ancestor? Please explain your answer using your notes.
  2. Please visit Nature Portfolio and study the photos of the ostrich, emu, and rhea. Pay attention to scientific names and the native region of species which are listed in the table. You can click on the thumbnail image to preview a larger picture.
  3. We know that the emu, ostrich, and rhea are native to certain regions of the world. Identify the birds' native regions. Click on the blanks in the table to check your answers.

    Bird Native Region
    Ostrich
    Emu
    Rhea

  4. Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Drag the name of the bird to its native region on the map below.

Sources of images used for this section as they appear, top to bottom:

Ostrich, Lip Kee, Flickr

Emu, Carolina Emu

Rhea, TechCN

World Map, Outline World Map Images