Based on available research, the cartilage in an ostrich's neck accounts for 6.30% of its overall neck thickness. This figure specifically refers to the relative thickness of the cartilage within the cervical vertebral column.
Understanding Ostrich Neck Thickness
When discussing the thickness of an ostrich neck, it's important to clarify which aspect of thickness is being referenced. According to research on the cartilage in the necks of extant animals, the provided data focuses on the relative thickness of the cartilage within the neck structure, not the external diameter or circumference of the entire neck.
The study, which includes data cited from Cobley et al. (2013), indicates the following for various taxa:
Cartilage Thickness in Animal Necks
| Taxon | Thickness | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ostrich | 6.30% | Cobley et al. (2013) |
| Rhea | 2.59% | This study |
| Alligator | 14.90% | This study |
| Horse | 6.90% | This study |
As shown in the table from the research published on svpow.com, the "Thickness" value for the Ostrich specifically quantifies its cartilage as a percentage. While this provides an exact measure of a crucial component of the neck's structure, it does not represent the absolute external dimensions (e.g., in centimeters or inches) of an ostrich's entire neck. The intricate structure of an ostrich's neck, which allows for its impressive flexibility and reach, includes not only cartilage but also bones, muscles, tendons, and skin.
