spark
avatar image
Stories
Worksheets
Young Post is a unit ofSouth China Morning Post
Overview
Stories
Worksheets
YPSparkStories

Dodo bird shows how humans cause animal extinction

Published: 
Reuters
Listen to this article

Research documents the loss of 610 bird species over the last 130,000 years

Reuters |
Published: 
Comment
Copied

Latest Articles

Worksheets

Indonesians in Hong Kong ‘very excited’ to create community centre

Opinion

Should Hong Kong schools teach students about the Covid-19 pandemic?

Stories

Shanghai restaurant serves up hotpot for dogs

Competitions

Write to Win (Final Round): What is the toughest job in the world, and why?

Worksheets

Hong Kong nutritionist’s recipe for a healthier baked pork chop rice

Letters to the Editors

Your Voice: Plastic versus paper straws, lifelong healthy habits and animal welfare (letters)

The dodo is an example of how human have caused a species’ extinction. Photo: Shutterstock

The dodo was a flightless bird that lived on the island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It is a case study of extinction caused by humans.

The dodo had adapted to its isolated ecosystem but was unprepared for the arrival of people. It was first encountered by Dutch sailors in 1598.

New research has documented the extinction of 610 bird species over the past 130,000 years, alongside the global spread of humans. The crisis has only gotten worse in recent decades.

Researchers said it has harmed the environment, as losing these birds erased their role in the ecosystem.

Most of the documented extinctions occurred on islands. Habitat loss can have huge effects due to isolation.

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment