On this dusty, hot planet it's important to filter the air and stay cool. The sand runners do this with elongated snouts that have nostrils lined with hair like filaments that filter the air, long legs that keep them well above the hot sand and perhaps their most unusual feature, air sacs. These air sacs are thin membranes that inflate when the creature is running, causing air to flow thru them and cooling the blood vessels that are close to the surface. They have two main defenses against predators. One is running away, using the extra tendons in their legs and their wide feet to help them with speed and the other is to semi-bury themselves in the sand, not only keeping cool this way, but also looking like a small mound of sand. (5 years and 2394 days ago)
Wonderful work and story
very interesting, good colour, bravo
they look like tail less ostriches , nice story also
Their tails are like camels' humps. Because its desert, they have to eat as much as they can when they can and store the energy in their tails. My husband thought they looked more like flamingos on steroids.
Thanks for the votes and comments!
Howdie stranger!
If you want to rate this picture or participate in this contest, just:
LOGIN HERE or REGISTER FOR FREE