How Ostriches Evolved to Lay Eggs in a Joint Nest

Ostriches can lay the largest eggs of any living animal. When it comes time for breeding, unrelated females will lay their eggs together in a single nest. The male will then raise the joint clutch, along with the dominant female. This behaviour is known as communal nesting. For a bird, it’s an unusual mating system, unique to only a handful of species, including the greater rhea. How did this behaviour evolved?
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All images and videos used herein are 1) in the public domain, 2) used under a Creative Commons license, 3) used with a license, or 4) used under the parameters of Fair Use law.
Music:
Luminance by Scott Buckley
Precious Life by Savfk
Origin of Species by Savfk
Life in Silico by Scott Buckley
This Too Shall Pass by Scott Buckley
Credit:
Rawpixel Ltd. www.flickr.com/photos/vintage...
Rawpixel Ltd. www.flickr.com/photos/vintage...
References:
Bertram BCR. The Evolution and Maintenance of the Communal Nesting System. In: The Ostrich Communal Nesting System. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2014.
Kimwele CN, Graves JA. A molecular genetic analysis of the communal nesting of the ostrich (Struthio camelus). Mol Ecol 2003;12(1):229-236.
Vehrencamp SL & Quinn JS. Joint laying systems. In: Ecology and Evolution of Cooperative Breeding in Birds. Koenig WD and Dickinson JL (eds). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2004.
Vehrencamp SL. Evolutionary routes to joint-female nesting in birds. Behav Ecol 2000;11(3):334-344.
Huynen L, et al. Ancient DNA reveals extreme egg morphology and nesting behavior in New Zealand’s extinct moa. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2010;107(37):16201-16206.
Yen A, et al. Egg incubation mechanics of giant bird. Biology 2021;10(8):738.
#nature #wildlife #birds #evolution #ostrich

[@frankenscience3802]

Hi everyone! I can’t believe it but the channel has finally reached 1,000 subs! I just want to say a HUGE thank you all for watching my videos! I’m amazed people are even interested in them and I’ll be sure to keep continuing the work! Thank you 😁

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[@connorhaley3190]

Did you say 70 km/h, that’s cheetah speed not ostrich

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[@leftalone9881]

I don’t know much, but I love that in your videos you try to show that characteristics of animal behaviors may seem weird to us but in reality it’s about the “cost” versus the “benefit” of these adaptations.

[@abstracter8627]

The production that went into this documentary is insane. Another excellent vid!

[@frankenscience3802]

Cheers!

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@@frankenscience3802 you got a sub.

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@@frankenscience3802 do you do these alone?! A comment you made and pinned suggested so. Amazing.

[@frankenscience3802]

@@hohohojo Thanks! Yes that’s right - I make these all alone 😃

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M

[@CBirds]

As a birder and self proclaimed bird photographer this is wildly inspiring. Amazing videos of such a unique species. Glad I found your channel.

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I learned a lot about big birds here!

[@isabellanelson9586]

Last place I expected to bump into you

[@MLP4242]

Incredible. This bird just skyrocketed up my list of favourite animals thanks to this film! What I find very cool is their long necks and muscular legs.

[@joeyd344]

I am not going to lie, when I first saw your videos popping up on my FYP on youtube I was like "This is some cool content that I wanna watch, but I don't wanna watch stuff about Ostriches PFTT", but this video was so good and allearing that I just couldn't click off. Good job man, this is probably one of the best informative zoological video I've seen on YT

[@erroleabrown4317]

Well that was fascinating and beautiful I didn’t know most of it and was blown away by the male ostrich tapping on the eggs talking to the unborn, thank you so much for your video

[@graboidfan31]

Makes me wonder if dinosaurs would nest this way

[@KillJoyXx1]

Wow, the production of this video is absolutely stellar. It is only a matter of time before you are recognized!

[@jerlee620]

Male Ostrich: I’m not a player I just crush a lot Also Male Ostrich: I got custody of the kids

[@AsifAAli]

I can listen to this narration, and fall asleep like 'Sleeping Beauty'. Such clear tone and pronunciation. :)

[@jeanremy5036]

Wow the male seems to be the dominant ones in his harem 😊

[@GaritoSG]

It would have been fantastic if the Moas and Elephant Birds were still with us! So many unique and fascinating species that became extinct because of our fault and recklessness. Thank you so much for your work and for sharing with us!

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This channel is underrated. Hope you soon get more known from people. This art is big.

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You are so awesome...love all the information you put into your videos,the footages and the way you explain. Thank you so much🌻

[@frankenscience3802]

Such a nice comment! I really appreciate the support 😃

[@ingerellingsen6785]

I wonder what role human predation could have played in the ostrich evolution. Hunter-gatherers of southern Africa collect ostrich eggs, but are careful to leave plenty behind (to ensure future generations of birds). Maybe having the eggs of other females at the edges of the nest protected her own offspring from humans

[@silvermainecoons3269]

Makes sense. 👍🏼

[@waranontwiwaha9385]

I also think that ostriches have evolved alongside humanoids for a long time they do recognize them as a threat. So even if the human hunters want more eggs, they are probably not able to due to the fierce parents rushing to protect the nest. They probably just grabbed as many as they could carry and got the hell away as soon as possible. Unlike the extinct giant birds on the island that probably wouldn't have the same strong reaction to humans and let them take their eggs more easily. Emus and cassowaries survived because they are smaller and may be able to hide their nest easier, with cassowaries being aggressive indiscriminately on top of that.

[@pendragonsxskywalkers9518]

Really fascinating topic - I have always found the way ostriches care for eggs and youngs very notheworthy! 🖤🖤And others ratites breeding habitats are also interesting! 💙💙

[@Filmtvinterview]

Maybe my fave video yet!!! What an opening!!

[@frankenscience3802]

Thank you!!

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

Of course I appreciate the video, knowledge, and quality, but I also really appreciate the comments. Many times, a video like this would start a (mostly male fueled) sex/gender war. It's refreshing to see people here to learn and appreciate the diverse ways animals raise their young. Thanks for being mature and respectful y'all, giving me hope for the Internets

[@silvermainecoons3269]

I hear you, it is refreshing that his videos don’t attract lots of angry dudes. 😂🙄 Whenever there are certain words in a video’s title, like evolution or matriarchy it’s usually certain to attract young earth creationists and/or misogynists who are triggered by scientific facts.

[@user-zy4wv7yx1z]

@@silvermainecoons3269 Seriously. The need a database for those males so no women have sex with them and reproduce their faulty genes

[@fabulousswag6683]

@@silvermainecoons3269 Such view are born out of subjective mindset.Because one had already formed a preconceived notion on what should,how it should and why it should,thus he or she is judgmental, especially when it doesn't fit into their unfounded myopic agendas. Nature always,i repeats always and by intention,finds or make a Way. As nature adopts the universal perspective of the universal principle,to view and find the base,source and a purpose/reason for a problem. Then proceeds to tailor design a solution for such nature and it's natural need. Evolutionary adaptation is driven by nature's need for value. Observing and interpreting the principles in and of nature subjectively, without knowledge and understanding of it original intent or purpose is a misconception of natural principle and it's process in nature.

[@cryzz0n]

This was a well made nature video. Low unobtrusive music, soothing voice, and good intelligent content. Wonderful!

[@BillyAlabama]

This is the first time I’ve seen your videos. You’re remarkable!

[@frankenscience3802]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoy them 🙂

[@hyperactivehyena]

Okay- vague information about ostriches nesting, I'm happy. Deep information about the pressures that may drive a species to nest communally, and in different ways for closely related species- I'm subscribed.

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It was a blessing to discover ur channel. This level of informative documentary is top-tier

[@totorofosho]

How on earth can this video how so few views?

[@xxae47]

You need sponsorship for bigger projects these documentary’s are pleasing to a euphoric extent

[@SAmaryllis]

This is so intriguing! I never thought of this, so cool to learn about ostriches

[@chadjohnson2035]

So glad KZbin recommended you

[@islandbirdw]

We traveled to SA and saw many empty ostrich eggs fashioned into all sorts of things. One was a retired dentist who make custom lamps. Ours is a lotus flower lamp, a cherished travel purchase.

[@teeniequeenie8369]

I had noooooo idea...lol I’ve always said I’d love to ride an ostrich lol man that would be one fast ride!

[@donnastormer9652]

Yes they adapted for sure. My Guineas do the same with a communal nest

[@danielantoniozd26]

Learned something new today

[@TheReepe]

Loved this!

[@Nirrrina]

I got here because I was watching Ima Survivor Sanctuary & their ostrich pair just hatched their own eggs in Texas. Even though the experts said they'd never hatch in Texas without being in an incubator. Well they did & I'm really hoping they live. It was interesting to see how Carl & Debbie came to be the way they are. Anyone ever wish Kevin at Urban Rescue Ranch would raise a group? Then again the thought of Keven raising a bunch of impressionable young is kind of terrifying. They take over the place.

[@angelacopacetic]

I'm watching this video because of Ima Survivor Sanctuary and the hatching of the baby ostriches born yesterday on Mother's Day! It's so exciting to see. This video is excellent and I hope Jamie and Lester come across it.

[@Nirrrina]

@@angelacopacetic I knew someone else would randomly find their way here!!😊 It is really exciting & I really hope they do well in this critical couple of weeks. Carl really did it. Well & Debbie too but mostly Carl.

[@ronikonhrakatste1762]

Amazing video man! Your voice is perfect for these types of videos. Keep up the good work.

[@ramaraocheepi7847]

It's fascinating that community nesting by these largest living birds .

[@rigo1124]

What a beautiful video. Such incredible energy and passion. Nature and it’s animals deserve more than our pollution.

[@ossieostrich69]

Amazingly high production values. First time viewer, and now subscriber!

[@RobespierreThePoof]

Ah yes. The small brained big birds that attack anything that comes near their harem.

[@aprilmorris4588]

I had no idea. That was awesome! 🥰

[@Argos-xb8ek]

I'm amazed at how much I didn't know about the social behaviors of ostriches

[@satyr1349]

Wonderful documentary! As good as any on television.

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Very impressive to see small KZbin r’s subscribers blossom!

[@user-ov1ev7cm7v]

سبحان الله العظيم الذي خلق كل شيء وأحسن خلقه سبحان الله العظيم

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I'm enchanted by his voice 🥰

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You go glen coco !

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How magnificent they are!

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[@jeanremy5036]

Very interesting this communal arrangement?😊

[@kikithekiwi]

The ostrichs : were fast as f boiiii

[@tia2073]

Interesting! Refreshing to learn something new 🥚🥚🥚🥚

[@SadiqUllah860]

Amazing story ❤

[@harishwala5882]

Hello from India 🇮🇳. Very good Speech.

[@noahway13]

HOW does she tell her eggs from others? Then she knows which chicks are hers?

[@maybpandacat5989]

I could only theorize how the eggs retain her scent, either from the egg shell itself or once they pass through her cloaca 🤔

[@THE_GREMLINZ_OFFICIAL]

She doesn’t.

[@Absitiam]

That’s pretty cool! Didn’t know they nested like that.

[@RobespierreThePoof]

Says a minor hen to the queen ostrich, "Eh! Queenie! I'll give ya an egg or two to sit on, if i can borrow your man for a moment." Queen ostrich : "go on. Have at him. He is too much for me anyways, all that flapping about and nonsense!"

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Very interesting video. Thanks so much! Also, it would've been great for the narrator to discuss the behavior of the hen at 1:26.

[@PRDreams]

I had no idea!

[@SamcoSimiyu]

Simply amazing Good work

[@kaosarmostafa6354]

Wonderful

[@violetwolf2001]

So, hypothetically, the male ostriches could be raising other males chicks as well as their own?

[@professorblack40]

The music is excellent 👌

[@zlaynie]

WONDERFUL! Have to watch at 1.25X to stay awake

[@MuhammadIbrahim-gs2bu]

Thank u 4 this story i never knew anythink about ostrich now i no

[@kimutaifelix9092]

So birds also have mistresses? 😂😂😂😂

[@bethanysmith5856]

Ostrich and seahorse are the 2 most well known fathers in the animal kingdom.

[@audreykeifer7371]

Very informative video, music not drowning out audio and clear speaking. As good as natgeo films.

[@katlynklassen809]

My man.

[@koreanature]

Beautiful Upload friend. keep it up. Thank you for sharing this to us. Greetings from Korea

[@JAYFULFILMZ]

If your channel was a stock or cryptocurrency I’d put everything I got into it because this channel is highly undervalued with amazing product! Lol this one going to the moon 🚀 bet on that! Dope content bro 🙌🏾 see you at 1 million subs 📈

[@frankenscience3802]

Wow thanks so much for the comment! Really means a lot 🙂

[@1495978707]

@@frankenscience3802 I agree with him, I am frankly shocked at your sub count, you must’ve had some experience or training in videography

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If this channel was a stock or cryptocurrency I'd leave because both are doomed

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Te kenaqet syri kur shikon keto krijess❤❤❤

[@mycrative]

Great

[@prakashd7397]

very nice video

[@subhashnaidu7327]

Beautiful video. Thank you from Fiji lsland

[@AnApePlaysMinecraft]

How did nest parasitizing (where a forgiven species lays an egg in a nest it doesn't own) evolve?

[@edwardbella8337]

When allthe females said the were gana put him on child support he was like hell now ill raise them all.

[@Zach-ku6eu]

😂😂 Is this a Nick Cannon documentary?!

[@lyubadavoyan1010]

Спасибо🎉🎉🎉

[@tonyballerxxxx]

You got fan

[@keithpugh7538]

Fascinating how they can thrive in Africa with all those predators.

[@Bow503]

Interesting 🤔, I always wondered how can the have so much eggs in one nest.

[@lol4lol993]

I never ever knew of communal nesting! Thank you for making my life a little less "ignorant and dumb".

[@usudusuus]

These eggs are delicious, I crave them.

[@lehsu]

Nice animations. What software tool was used for the animation?

[@acct5910]

interdasting

[@tjwhite1963]

"Wander FROO" ...??? (lol) Excellent video, though. ... ❤️

[@jarednovel]

In Africa, there are tribes that practise polyandry where one woman is allowed to sleep with several men or have several husbands . That is an indication that the behaviour comes from nature and probably has its own benefits

[@aareview8258]

Thank you for all your hard work and teaching about the earth's largest bird.

[@user-yi8fx5dl2i]

Как красиво,бедные страусы

[@pinheadlarry9461]

👍

[@whateverman2674]

what is his accent. it sounds funny ....... in a good way.

[@lorrianecarroll8602]

Reading tthe bible this morning Job 39 verse 13-18 MADE me to check on KZbin if there was anything on this topic... especially on the mother that leaves her eggs... this didnt sit well with me.... then I came across your channel. And you confirm the above scripture. Thanx🙌🙌🙌How great is our God our Creator

[@romeblanchard3419]

I think he’s too close to the mic but overall great video.

[@sparker1221]

I would have loved some commentary RE avian sex determination (ZW-ZZ sex chromosomes) which has relevance to evolutionary pressures on bird behavior, but I know this would have been a bit outside the scope.

[@airplanetowardsthesky3265]

The really put all their eggs into one basket

[@hassan-zj1sm]

دمتون گرم عالی بود خسته نباشید 🇮🇷🇮🇷🇮🇷💙💙💙

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elefiNt ostrijin

[@kohboonhuat9099]

敬啟者您好,很可惜不會英語,如有華文字幕更好,相信會更多人觀看視頻,感謝您制作視頻分享。

[@isaacdehaan2630]

God damn if I’ve ever seen a channel that deserves to have more subs. Amazing work and quality!

[@billhosko7723]

Pfft... first poster that needed to swear to get attention.. lame

[@sasorishino]

"She accepts the eggs of the mistresses'", LMAO 😆

[@catladyfromky4142]

Who's the ostrich wife and who's the mistress?🤔

[@billhosko7723]

Ideat... no need to swear...