The largest of the living birds is

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

The Ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird in the world.
Adult ostriches can reach a height of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) and weigh up to 156 kilograms (344 pounds).
They also hold the record for laying the largest eggs of any living land animal.
The key to answering this question is the word 'living', which distinguishes the Ostrich from larger, but extinct, birds.

Option A: The Cassowary is a very large bird, but it is the second-heaviest living bird, smaller and lighter than the Ostrich.
Option B: The Albatross is known for having the largest wingspan of any living bird (up to 12 feet), but its body mass and height are significantly less than an Ostrich's.
Option C: The Elephant bird was a massive bird, larger than the Ostrich, but it is extinct. The question specifically asks for the largest 'living' bird.

Visual 1: Infographic: A size comparison chart showing a human silhouette next to an Ostrich, Cassowary, Albatross, and an illustration of the extinct Elephant bird to visually demonstrate the scale.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Avian superlatives and the distinction between living and extinct species as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a general knowledge question that tests factual recall about the natural world, not a clinical concept.
The critical thinking skill tested here is the ability to carefully read and interpret qualifiers in a question (e.g., the word 'living'). This skill is directly transferable to clinical practice, where interpreting specific patient data and test parameters with precision is vital for safe and effective care.
What if? - If the stem changed one defining clue so that Ostrich no longer matched, reassess the option whose mechanism, classification, or indication now fits the revised presentation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'largest' and 'living'.
Recognize that 'largest' in zoology typically refers to overall mass and height unless a specific metric like 'wingspan' is mentioned.
Critically evaluate the keyword 'living'. This is a qualifier designed to test attention to detail.
Assess each option. The Elephant bird is known to be a giant, but it is extinct, so it is disqualified by the 'living' criterion.
Compare the remaining living birds. The Albatross has the largest wingspan, but the Ostrich is significantly taller and heavier.
Conclude that the Ostrich is the correct answer as it is the largest living bird by overall size and mass.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Avian superlatives and the distinction between living and extinct species.
Stem keywords: largest, living birds
Lead-in keywords: is

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Practise the full RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.