When Birds Stopped Flying

The video explores the evolution and distribution of ratites, a group of flightless birds, across the world. Initially, the Mozark hypothesis suggested that these birds were flightless due to continental drift. However, new DNA research revealed that ratites likely flew to different continents and independently lost flight multiple times. The extinction of non-avian dinosaurs opened ecological niches, allowing ratites to thrive. Human hunting led to the extinction of some species like the moa and elephant bird. The video concludes with speculation on the future of flightless birds.

What is the significance of the North Island giant moa in the context of flightless birds?

What are some theories regarding how flightless birds spread across different continents?

Explain the concept of the 'Mozark hypothesis' regarding flightless birds.

Discuss the role of genetic research in reshaping our understanding of ratite relationships.

What adaptations did flightless birds undergo after losing their ability to fly?

How did the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs impact the evolution of flightless birds?

Describe the impact of human activity on the extinction of species like the moa and elephant birds.