Chicken Chicken Chicken!

Did you know...

... that chickens are the closest living relative to the tyrannosaurus rex! This becomes more apparent if you watch a chicken walking at speed or take a closer look at its morphology.

The humble chicken was domesticated approximately 8000 years ago. There is some debate as to where this happened but it is generally thought that the domesticated chicken has its origins in Southeast Asia. Its genetic ancestor, known as jungle fowl, is thought to have diverged from its common ancestor approximately 8 million years ago. 

The chicken's natural habitat is in fact, jungle and rainforest. Chicken plumage, notably the colours and patterns exhibited, are ideal for camouflage in such environments. 

Although largely ground dwelling, chickens are capable of short flight, predominantly to access high up branches and roosts. 

Chicken facts!

The Bushgear Team

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia