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Bone histology sheds new light on the ecology of the dodo (1 Viewer)

Melanie

Well-known member
Germany
Bone histology sheds new light on the ecology of the dodo (Raphus cucullatus, Aves, Columbiformes)

D. Angst, A. Chinsamy, L. Steel & J. P. Hume

Scientific Reports 7, Article number: 7993 (2017)
doi:10.1038/s41598-017-08536-3
Download Citation
PalaeoecologyPalaeontology

Received:
13 December 2016
Accepted:
14 July 2017
Published online:
24 August 2017

The dodo, Raphus cucullatus, a flightless pigeon endemic to Mauritius, became extinct during the 17th century due to anthropogenic activities. Although it was contemporaneous with humans for almost a century, little was recorded about its ecology. Here we present new aspects of the life history of the dodo based on our analysis of its bone histology. We propose that the dodo bred around August and that the rapid growth of the chicks enabled them to reach a robust size before the austral summer or cyclone season. Histological evidence of molting suggests that after summer had passed, molt began in the adults that had just bred; the timing of molt derived from bone histology is also corroborated by historical descriptions of the dodo by mariners. This research represents the only bone histology analysis of the dodo and provides an unprecedented insight into the life history of this iconic bird.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-08536-3

Secret life of the dodo revealed
By Helen Briggs BBC News

www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-41002562
 
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