Question

Flightless birds are grouped under superorder

• A. Odontognathae
• B. Palaeognathae
• C. Neognathae
• D. Archiornithes

Answer 1

The correct option is B Palaeognathae

All extant flightless birds belong to the superorder Ratitae or Palaeognathae, which falls under the subclass Neornithes of the Phylum Aves. The flightless birds of superorder Palaeognathae are characterized by the following features:

• These are running birds.
• Their well developed powerful legs help in running.
  
• The head is small in size.
  
• Wings are vestigial or rudimentary, having fluffy feathers that are useless for flight.
• Mostly have a palaeognathous palate.
• Sternum is either devoid of keel or with a vestigial keel.
• These birds usually have a good height, which can be as much as 4 meters.

EXAMPLES - Ostrich, Kiwi, Cassowary, Rhea, Emu, etc.

The subclass Archiornithes is an extinct group of primitive birds that resembled the reptiles. The superorder Odontognathae is also an extinct group of prehistoric toothed birds, under the subclass Neornithes. Most of the living, flying birds are grouped under the superorder Neognathae or Carinatae, which is classified under the subclass Neornithes.