• UGI USER
  • Sep 16, 2024
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New Research Redefines Dodo’s Extinction Story

Why in the news?

Recent studies reveal the dodo was not slow or unintelligent but a swift bird. The extinction was due to human-induced factors, not dietary preferences.

New Insights into Dodo’s Extinction:

  • Revised Understanding:
  • Researchers challenge the notion that dodos were slow and unintelligent.
  • Findings suggest dodos were swift, thriving forest birds, not just clumsy creatures.
  • New evidence, including anatomical studies, indicates dodos were capable runners.
  • Reasons for Extinction:
  • Dodos did not go extinct due to being prized as food.
  • Extinction caused by invasive species: pigs ate eggs, rats and cats preyed on chicks, goats trampled nests.
  • Human impact, including habitat destruction and introduction of predators, led to rapid extinction.
  • Current Research and Lessons:
  • Modern technology is used to reconstruct dodo life and movement.
  • Study aims to understand past bird evolution to protect current species.
  • Highlights the need for humans to be more mindful of their environmental impact.

About the Dodo:

  • Scientific Name: Raphus cucullatus
  • Description: Large, flightless bird, 3 feet tall, weighing 20-23 kg. Greyish-brown plumage, hooked beak, vestigial wings.
  • Behaviour: Herbivorous, fed on fruits and seeds. Lack of natural predators led to no fear of humans.
  • Habitat: Dense forests of Mauritius, endemic to the island.
  • Extinction: Late 17th century due to human hunting and introduced animals destroying nests.
  • Significance: Symbol of human-induced extinction and biodiversity loss.

About Germ Cells:

  • Definition: Cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs).
  • Characteristics: Haploid, crucial for sexual reproduction, located in gonads.
  • Development: Formed during embryonic development, undergo meiosis to create gametes.
  • Role: Vital for genetic diversity and reproduction.

About Genome Sequencing:

  • Definition: Process of determining an organism’s complete DNA sequence.
  • Techniques: Includes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) like Illumina and PacBio.
  • Stages: Sample collection, DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing, assembly.
  • Applications: Human genetics, evolutionary biology, agriculture, microbial genomics.
  • Challenges: Cost, accuracy, ethical concerns.
  • Future: Technology advancements, single-cell sequencing, clinical integration.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times