Dodo bird evolution and 4 million-year isolation

Dodo bird evolution and 4 million-year isolation. Dodo bird's most recent ancestor was a flying pigeon that arrived on the island 4-5 million years ago Without natural predators, dodos evolved from a half-pound pigeon to a 50 lb flightless bird Dodos nested on the ground and were monogamous, laying one egg at a time

The dodo's ancestor was a tiny flying pigeon that arrived on Mauritius 4-5 million years ago. Without predators, it evolved from a half-pound bird into a 50 lb flightless giant! They nested on the ground, ate fallen fruit, and had no natural fear of predators. 🐦

Key Facts

• Dodo bird's most recent ancestor was a flying pigeon that arrived on the island 4-5 million years ago
• Without natural predators, dodos evolved from a half-pound pigeon to a 50 lb flightless bird
• Dodos nested on the ground and were monogamous, laying one egg at a time
• They weighed around 50 lbs with large heads, tiny non-functional wings, and short thick legs
• Dodos had no fear of humans and could not run fast
• Primary diet was fallen fruit and nuts

Source: The First Explorers of Dodo Island: Discovery & Extinction of the Dodo Bird by Luke Caverns