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    Revisiting the Dodo – New Research Unveils the True Nature of an Iconic Extinct Bird

    Science & Tech 6 Mins Read
    • Extinction: The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It became extinct in the late 17th century, primarily due to human activities and the introduction of non-native animals that preyed on dodo eggs and outcompeted them for food.
    • Physical Characteristics: The dodo stood about 1 meter (3 feet) tall and may have weighed 10–18 kg (22–40 pounds). It had a large beak, short legs, and a rounded body, with grayish-brown feathers and a tuft of curly feathers on its rear.
    • Diet: The dodo primarily fed on fruits, seeds, nuts, and roots. It may have also eaten crabs and shellfish found along the coast of Mauritius.
    • Cultural Impact: The dodo became a symbol of extinction and human-caused environmental destruction. Its depiction in literature, like in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” where the dodo plays a small role, has contributed to its lasting cultural legacy.
    • Scientific Interest: The dodo is often studied in the context of extinction and evolution. It was a member of the pigeon family, closely related to the Nicobar pigeon. The extinction of the dodo is one of the first well-documented cases where human activity directly caused the extinction of a species.

    Researchers are embarking on a mission to challenge and correct the long-held misconceptions about the Dodo, one of the most iconic yet misunderstood birds in history. In a recent paper titled “The systematics and nomenclature of the Dodo and the Solitaire (Aves: Columbidae), and an overview of columbid family-group nomina,” published on August 16, 2024, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, experts from the University of Southampton, the Natural History Museum, and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History have conducted the most thorough review of the Dodo and its closest relative, the Rodrigues Island Solitaire.

    The team meticulously analyzed 400 years of scientific literature and visited collections across the UK to ensure the proper classification of these species, which symbolize the destructive impact of human activity on nature.

    Dr. Neil Gostling from the University of Southampton, the supervising author of the paper, remarked on the significance of the Dodo, stating, “The Dodo was the first living thing recorded as existing and then disappearing, a stark realization that humans could influence the natural world in such profound ways.”

    Much of what we believed about the Dodo and the Solitaire stemmed from accounts by Dutch sailors, artistic depictions, and incomplete remains, leading to numerous misidentifications and the creation of fictional species like the Nazarene Dodo and the White Solitaire. The paper confirms that these supposed species never existed, highlighting how misconceptions have rippled through centuries of zoological literature.

    Dr. Mark Young, the lead author from the University of Southampton, explained that by the 18th and 19th centuries, the Dodo and the Solitaire were often considered mythological creatures. However, Victorian-era scientists eventually proved that these birds were real and were, in fact, giant ground doves.

    To unravel the confusion surrounding these species, the researchers examined hundreds of historical accounts dating back to 1598 and studied specimens in UK museums, including the world’s only surviving soft tissue from a Dodo at the Oxford Museum. Despite extensive research, much remains unknown about these birds’ lives. The study confirmed that both the Dodo and the Solitaire were members of the columbid family, which includes pigeons and doves.

    Dr. Julian Hume, an avian paleontologist at the Natural History Museum and co-author of the paper, noted, “More has been written about the Dodo than any other bird, yet virtually nothing is known about it in life.” He emphasized the ongoing debates and confusion that have persisted for over 400 years.

    The researchers also aim to dispel the popular image of the Dodo as a fat, slow, and unintelligent bird destined for extinction. Dr. Young suggests that this characterization is flawed, citing accounts that describe the Dodo as a fast-moving forest dweller. Dr. Gostling added that evidence from bone specimens indicates that the Dodo was likely a very active and agile bird, well-adapted to its environment but ultimately doomed by the introduction of non-native predators by humans.

    The study marks the beginning of a broader project to understand the biology and ecology of these iconic species. Dr. Markus Heller, a co-author and Professor of Biomechanics at the University of Southampton, explained that the research team is using advanced computer technology to reconstruct how the Dodo lived and moved. This work not only seeks to satisfy scientific curiosity but also aims to glean insights that could help protect endangered bird species today.

    The project also involves collaboration with paleoartist Karen Fawcett, who has created a life-size model of the Dodo, merging science and art to bring these extinct creatures back to life for public engagement.

    Professor Max Crispin, Director of the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and the advancement of knowledge in understanding and conserving our natural world.

    Major Points:

    • Researchers from the University of Southampton, Natural History Museum, and Oxford University Museum have conducted the most comprehensive review of the Dodo and its relative, the Rodrigues Island Solitaire, to correct long-standing misconceptions about these species.
    • The study debunks the existence of fictional species like the Nazarene Dodo and White Solitaire, which were based on misidentifications and mythologized accounts from centuries past.
    • Contrary to popular belief, the Dodo was likely a fast and active bird, well-adapted to its environment, but ultimately fell victim to human-introduced predators, not because of inherent flaws.
    • The research marks the beginning of a larger project that uses advanced technology to reconstruct how the Dodo lived and moved, with potential insights to help protect today’s endangered bird species.
    • A life-size model of the Dodo, created by paleoartist Karen Fawcett, will merge science and art to bring the extinct bird to life for public engagement and education.

    James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News

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