ostoputki

Ostoputki, also known as "ostrich pipes" or "ostrich nostrils," are a unique anatomical feature found in the nostrils of ostriches. These structures are not actually pipes, but rather elongated nostrils that are used for cooling the bird's brain. Ostriches have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any bird, and their brains can reach temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during hot weather. To prevent brain damage, ostriches have evolved to cool their brains by drawing in cool air through their elongated nostrils, which can reach lengths of up to 15 centimeters (6 inches). This adaptation is crucial for the ostrich's survival in arid environments, where temperatures can soar. The elongated nostrils are also a distinctive feature that helps to identify the species.