Scribd
Upload
12 views

Dodo Bird - the Extinction

The dodo bird, native to Mauritius, became extinct due to human activities, including hunting and the introduction of invasive species, within 64 years of its discovery by Europeans. Its extinction highlights the impact of human colonization on isolated ecosystems and has sparked discussions about de-extinction and the ethical implications of resurrecting extinct species. The dodo's legacy emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species and biodiversity.

Uploaded by

salesmartins.g
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
12 views

Dodo Bird - the Extinction

The dodo bird, native to Mauritius, became extinct due to human activities, including hunting and the introduction of invasive species, within 64 years of its discovery by Europeans. Its extinction highlights the impact of human colonization on isolated ecosystems and has sparked discussions about de-extinction and the ethical implications of resurrecting extinct species. The dodo's legacy emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect endangered species and biodiversity.

Uploaded by

salesmartins.g
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Dodo Bird: the Extinction

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus), a flightless bird native to Mauritius, has become an
enduring symbol of human-induced extinction. Standing approximately one meter tall
and weighing between 10 to 20 kilograms, the dodo had blue-gray plumage, a large
head with a distinctive curved beak, and small, vestigial wings. Its anatomy
suggests it evolved from pigeon-like ancestors that settled on the island,
gradually losing the ability to fly due to the absence of natural predators and the
abundance of food.

The first recorded mention of the dodo was by Dutch sailors in 1598. These early
encounters marked the beginning of the dodo's decline. Sailors and settlers hunted
the bird for food, although its meat was reportedly tough and unpalatable. More
detrimental were the invasive species introduced to Mauritius, such as pigs, rats,
dogs, and monkeys, which preyed upon dodo eggs and competed for food resources.
Additionally, human activities led to significant habitat destruction, further
threatening the dodo's survival.

The last widely accepted sighting of a dodo was in 1662, a mere 64 years after its
initial discovery by Europeans. This rapid extinction underscores the profound
impact of human colonization and ecological disruption on isolated ecosystems. The
dodo's demise was not immediately recognized; it wasn't until the 19th century that
scientific interest rekindled, leading to studies based on the limited remains and
accounts available.

In recent years, the dodo has been at the center of de-extinction discussions.
Advancements in genetic engineering have sparked debates about the feasibility and
ethics of resurrecting extinct species. While some scientists argue that bringing
back the dodo could restore ecological balance in Mauritius, others caution about
unforeseen consequences and the moral implications of such endeavors.

The dodo's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of isolated


ecosystems and the lasting consequences of human actions. Its legacy continues to
influence conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of protecting endangered
species and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy