DODO
BIRD: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: New research rescues the dodo’s reputation
from confusion and myth
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS ?
Scientists are challenging the view that the dodo was
a slow, bloated animal doomed to extinction
Dodo
Bird
- Native Habitat: Mauritius.
- Relation: Closely related to pigeons
and doves.
- Physical Characteristics: Flightless,
large size, unable to fly.
Extinction
and New Research
·
Causes of Extinction:
- Habitat
destruction.
- Predation by
introduced species (pigs, rats, goats).
- Overhunting
by humans.
·
New Research Findings:
- Dodos may
have been swift runners, contrary to previous beliefs of them being
slow-witted.
- Part of the
Columbidae family (pigeons and doves).
- Eyewitness
accounts suggest dodos were fast runners.
·
Current Research:
- Aims to
better understand the extinction of dodos.
- Focuses on
protecting modern bird species.
Source
: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-research-rescues-dodo-reputation-from-confusion-myth/article68644928.ece