Why Did Dodos Go Extinct? | Island Biogeography Explained

The dodo, a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius, is a classic example of a species that succumbed to extinction due to human activity. While the dodo's demise is often attributed to the introduction of invasive species like rats and pigs, the story is more complex and deeply intertwined with the principles of island biogeography.

Island Biogeography: A Framework for Understanding Extinction

Island biogeography is a field of ecology that studies the distribution and abundance of species on islands. It explores how factors like island size, isolation, and habitat diversity influence the evolution and extinction of species. Key principles include:

• Island Size: Larger islands tend to support more species due to a greater variety of habitats and resources.
• Island Isolation: Islands closer to continents have higher rates of immigration and thus greater species richness.
• Habitat Diversity: Islands with diverse habitats can support a wider range of species.

The Dodo's Vulnerability: A Case Study in Island Biogeography

The dodo's extinction can be understood through the lens of island biogeography. Mauritius, a relatively small and isolated island, had a limited number of species and a unique ecosystem. The dodo, adapted to its environment without any natural predators, evolved to be flightless and relatively slow-moving.

This lack of evolutionary pressure to defend against predators made the dodo highly vulnerable when humans arrived on the island. The introduction of invasive species, such as rats, pigs, and monkeys, disrupted the delicate balance of the island's ecosystem. These animals preyed on dodo eggs and chicks, while the pigs competed for food resources, ultimately leading to the dodo's extinction by the late 17th century.

The Dodo's Legacy: A Cautionary Tale

The dodo's story serves as a stark reminder of the impact humans can have on biodiversity. It highlights the importance of understanding island biogeography and the delicate balance of ecosystems. The extinction of the dodo emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species and their habitats, especially on islands.

Key Takeaways:

• Island biogeography explains how island size, isolation, and habitat diversity influence species diversity.
• The dodo's extinction was a consequence of human activity and the introduction of invasive species.
• Conservation efforts are crucial to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems, particularly on islands.

Further Exploration:

• Learn more about the history of the dodo and its extinction.
• Explore the principles of island biogeography and its applications to conservation.
• Investigate the impact of invasive species on ecosystems around the world.