Comprehension - Gd 4

Comprehension - The Ostrich

The Ostrich

The ostrich is a large flightless bird with a long neck and legs. These legs enable it to run at a maximum speed of 72Km per hour.

It also lays the largest egg of any bird species. The nest may contain 15 to 60 glossy cream-coloured eggs with thick shells. The eggs are incubated by females during the day and by males at night. Male ostriches play an important role in the hatchlings' lives. They would defend the hatchlings from predators such as hyenas, jackals and vultures. They would also teach them about what to feed on.

Ostriches can sense their enemies with their acute eyesight and hearing. Sometimes, they lie and hide from their predators with their heads and necks flat on the ground. This would make them appear as a mound of earth. At other times, the birds run away when threatened. They also use their powerful legs to kick which can cause serious injury and death.

Open Ended

How do ostriches sense their enemies?

Open Ended

Name three animals which feed on the hatchlings?

Open Ended

Describe one way in which an ostrich can escape from its enemy?

Open Ended

What does the word "flightless" in the first paragraph mean?

Open Ended

How does a male ostrich guide its hatchings?