The Extinction Of The Dodo Bird

The dodo was a large flightless bird that lived on the island of Mauritius.

History

• 1507 – Portuguese vessels carrying 1.  called at Mauritius for supplies.
• 1638 – the Dutch created a 2.  on the island.

• The birds were hunted as a source of food.

• The last known dodo was killed in 1681.

Description

• Written reports and artworks may not provide dependable evidence.

• One Dutch artwork makes the dodo appear extremely 3. .
• The only preserved soft tissue still in existence is a 4. .
• Study of the skeleton indicates that strong joints permitted rapid 5. .
• Its small wings probably helped it maintain 6.  on rough ground.
• Its 7.  was of average size, not particularly small.
• A highly developed sense of 8.  helped it locate food.

Reasons for extinction

• Hunting is no longer regarded as the main explanation.

• Dogs and monkeys were deliberately introduced by sailors.

• 9.  arrived unintentionally on ships and ate the birds’ eggs.
• Agriculture resulted in the destruction of the 10. .