Evolution of the Giant Flightless Birds
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- Опубліковано 16 лис 2022
- The ratites or palaeognaths, animals like Emus, Ostriches and Cassowaries are incredibly interesting animals, being some of the largest birds that have ever existed and possessing many primitive looking features that give them a very unique look. However, they also have a very mysterious past, they are a group of closely related flightless birds yet have a wide spread among most of the southern land masses.
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Sources:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
dinosaurs.group.uq.edu.au/fil...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24855...
web.archive.org/web/201106100...
royalsocietypublishing.org/do...
It disappoints me so much whenever I hear of the Moa and Elephant Bird's recent extinction, it's so upsetting to know we were this close to seeing baffling animals like that today. The Dodo as well.
Can we clone them? I wanna see a living prehistoric animal that recently went extinct.
@@JustAnotherRandomGuy-_- cloning has a problem. If you clone something, you transfer on all of its damaged DNA. Dolly the Sheep died of old age at only 6-years old, even though her species usually lives to be around 12. This is because her DNA was already 6-years old when she was born
If they lived today we would view them as ordinary, boring animals. Just like the elephant, jellyfish and giraffe. Even though they are weird as fuck. Study any one of them with a childs perspective and you will be awestruck.
@@HolyPineCone A Huge flightless bird that is almost elephant sized being a boring animal? I don't think so my man
@@TheFoshaMan yes you would. It's exceting because you haven't seen one before. Just like mooses are exciting and exotic to Germans. But to the Swedes they run around everywhere and are more of a nuisance. Nuisance?? Big cow creature with weird horns running about in the woodlands?? How is that boring to anyone? It is because they are plentiful. If you switched them out to big birds they would be a nuisance too when they fucked up traffic every day. Jellyfish are far more interesting compared to an extra big bird. But they are so abundant that no one cares. What the hell is a jellyfish anyway? Weird stuff.
In all birds that lost the ability, there was a strong reduction of wings. I used to wonder if an evolutionary course would be possible that would lead back to the transformation of wings into hands. If, for example, Hoatzin, a bird whose chicks have claws on the wings, landed on an isolated island, could it become a four-legged animal, or something like a bird monkey.
New Zealand has a bat that can fly but rarely does. They burrow in the leaf litter like shrews.
@@LimeyLassen not a good example as bats are already quadrupeds anyways
Reminds me of Serina.
Secondary quadrupedalism might be very difficult for avians because their root theropod ancestors were already obligate bipeds. The biggest problem is that all bird lineages today inherited the wrong kind of shoulder joint from their theropod ancestors. If we look at sauropods, their shoulders are supported from the back in a way that allows the arms to be positioned under the shoulder girdle. Theropods instead have shoulders supported on the sides, and in birds especially the wing folding mechanism gives their shoulders a tendency to fold up, not down. Their wings can't support weight from below. That means they would have to reevolve prosauropod shoulders then evolutionarily converge on a sauropod-like front limb shape in order to become quadrupedal.
THAT would we really interesting, but scary as hell!
I went and saw cassowaries in far north Queensland about 10 years ago. They were the most spectacular animal I think I've ever seen!
Walking through the rainforest in northern Queensland my girlfriend said "unless they're eagles birds aren't very interesting" and seconds later we almost walked into a cassowary. My girlfriend corrected her claim.
It's kind of weird that the kiwi, the smallest ratite, is closely related to the elephant bird, the largest bird species that ever lived.
Similar to how the closest living relatives of elephants are the marmot-looking hyraxes.
I live to defy trends and mess with your head.
Emu has left the chat
3:51 I would love a video on the different bird lineages that survived the KPG extinction. I used to think that all living birds descend from a single survivor of the extinction.
The four lineages are Paleognaths, galliforms, anseriforms and neoaves
Basicly, 4 groups. Ostriches, chickens, ducks and all other birds
The four groups of modern birds all already existed prior to the KPG extinction, meaning at least one member of each group must have survived the meteor. It's remarkable that no non-avian dinosaur species survived (as far as we know), yet at least four avian dinosaur species did. (Something to do with mobility I would imagine)
@@fredbloggs8072 maybe we're so predisposed to saying that all non-avian dinosaurs went extinct, that if we did discover a living non-avian dinosaur we would just call it an avian. If something like a microraptor or another small dromaeosaur were alive today we would almost definitely call it a bird.
I used to think birds all came from one trex that hid in a cave
I haven't commented on this channel's videos, and I don't have much to say now, other than that the quality of these videos is astounding... Couldn't come up with a reasonable way to shoehorn that into a comment about birds, so I'm just saying that the production of these videos is nearly as well put together, as the topics are to follow, and understand with the way they are presented.
Most of the things from these videos, I only have a passing knowledge of, but when they are over, I don't feel "lost" or like I somehow understand less.
Wonderful science communication skills!
I agree! The quality of sound and presentation skyrocketed over the first 3-5 videos, and/but I really really want to ask Mothlight to re-record the FIRST (oldest) video's narration. (Convergent evolution)
It's one I go back top watch quite often, and I think it is important that people understand this aspect; I had never thought much about it, and that video was a huge eye-opener
For real. Very well said and exactly the vibe I get from all his videos! Freaking awesome guy 👏
I love giant flightless birds. I recently learned of Gargantuavis, which was an ostrich-like flighless bird that lived alongside non-avian dinosaurs.
This means that the extinction of the non-avian dinosaur didn't prohibit the evolution of giant flightless birds.
Happy birthday
Damn, how did you know?
Birday*
You're 5 days too late.
But thanks for saying it anyways :)
I really would like a vid on the other human species, their origins, their spread, etc. it would be amazing with your calm voice and knowledge.
Stefan Milo and NorthO2 already have amazing videos on our ancestors and cousins, the paleo niche is so wide lol.
Stefan Milo is really good for that, I highly recommend him. He has a similar calm style and he will lead you to a lot of discoveries if you’re into this topic, which I’m sure you are.
These big birds have always been fascinating to me. They are so close to their legendary ancestors, that often, you can just see the resemblance to theropods. Another part of me wonders if these birds could ever evolve back into something big and carnivorous again. Either like the terror birds or, even more impressively, some of the carnivorous dinosaurs. An idle fancy probably, but still, of all birds, it seems like these would be the ones to make that sort of leap, don't they?
Not technically impossible, but highly unlikely due to the way birds are designed. Their legs/hips are not like non-avian dinosaurs. Their hip and thigh bones are at an angle. They essentially poke our at a straight angle like a lizards. This isn’t ideal for bearing a lot of weight.
Non-avian dinosaurs had their legs directly underneath them. The large therapods thus were capable of growing to immense sizes (in large part to the structure of their bones and air pockets within, making them light and strong) and still be capable of running and supporting that weight.
Modern dinosaurs simply have a different hip structure that limits how big they could get before their hip sockets literally start to pop out from the stress and angle of pressing. Likely the elephant bird was the rough peak of what modern birds could reach. Unless of course a rare event where selective pressure is able to alter their bone structure and rearrange their hip structure to be able to bear that weight. Then maybe we could see an allosaurus sized bird. Definitely not at all impossible. Birds are dinosaurs and dinosaurs were uniquely well designed for getting huge.
Resemblance to _other_ theropods.
I’m gonna be that guy.. BUT.. I genuinely get so happy whenever there is a new video from Moth Light Media. I’ve gone through them all like three times each 😅 Thank you for making my weeks better and insightful:)
Don't think of it as losing flight. Think of it as returning to dinosaur 🦕👍
Cassowaries fascinate me and terrify me at the exact same time. I understand just how dangerous they are. I watched Steve Erwin growing up. I pretty much see them as the closest thing to a real raptor that can slash you up and chase you down.
The word you're looking for is "awesome".
Would've been cool if you'd included a tree showing relationships between all the paleognaths
Big fan of your channel, the quality of your videos are incredible, and very informative, with massive amounts of research put into a single video. Keep it up! :)
The NZ wildlife from the time that NZ split from Antarctica had to contend with the islands shifting and being submerged under water to the volcanic activity that was noted around the world. It’s an interesting area to research how the wildlife like the Moa and Kiwi survived.
I 'm a simple Human.
I see Moth Light Media Video.
I am Happy
I click on Video.
I lissen and relax. ^^
Loved your Videos since the beginning, the smooth soundtrack, music and calming Voice alsways helps to relaxe me ^^
It's really fascinating how these dinosaurs survived for so long
Was at the zoo this past weekend and saw the rheas. Immediately thought to myself how did all these different flightless birds spread across the southern hemisphere. Your video came just at the right time! Thx!
I want to see a video on that flightless owl. Very fascinating animal.
Every time I see your sub count, I am reminded of finding you when it was a couple hundred. Great video as always.
Good job man continue
Love your voice-it's perfect for narration and somehow feels especially appropriate for your subject matter
Just thinking - my recent ancestors lived and walked with Aepyornis, and probably (unfortunately) contributed to their extinction. It’s sad we didn’t have knowledge of conservation and ecology back then.
Really wish I could see one of these magnificent birds alive and in their natural habitat.
Heck yeah, Moth light media upload. This is one my favorite channels. Never stop man
5:42 = Tinamous are not 1 species = they comprise 46 extant species in 9 genera, all of which retain limited flight capability. They account for the bulk of living paleognath diversity since the flightless ratites only have a dozen-or-so species.
Thank you. I love birds, and I have a soft spot for flightless birds. I recently wrote a magazine article about the war that Australia declared (and lost) against the emu, and I fell in love with that species the further research I did.
Happy birthday! Also, could you do a video about parrot evolution?
It's pretty cool that palaeognaths prove that birds can still be flightless megafauna provided the conditions are right.
Man your channel has grown so much since I discovered it. Glad it’s doing well.
Thank you for the upload, always makes a day more relaxing 🫀
Another great video and love how you explain things so it's easy to understand
Another video covering a subject I've not seen before. Fascinating. Thank you, MLM!
I’m so happy that I somehow stumbled across your channel! I thoroughly enjoy your content, it’s intriguing and very informative! also, your voice has such a calming tone and relaxed cadence that I can easily doze off to it. And I mean that as a compliment (:
Very interesting and well put together. The piece raises so many questions I'll have to rewatch and take notes for further digestion.
Ostriches, Emus, Cassowaries, Rheas, Kiwis, Elephant Birds: Even though we can’t fly we all still have our wings.
Moas: I don’t, lost them a long time ago.
Ostriches, Emus, Cassowaries, Rheas, Kiwis, Elephant Birds: Really? No wings at all? None?
Moas: Yup, used to have them. But now, no more, or should I say, no moa?
Ostriches, Emus, Cassowaries, Rheas, Kiwis, Elephant Birds: …I really hope you get turned into past tense by that giant eagle real soon just for that pun.
It's always a great day when Moth light uploads, especially on the topics of birds
I love your videos - but I also find your voice incredibly relaxing so find them perfect to go to sleep to 😅
This is one of my favorite topics!!!! I love these birds!
Thank you for making this
I love your videos! keep em coming
As always excellent. Thank you!!
it's always a good day when moth light media uploads!
Great video as always
Elephant bird: I’m the largest bird to ever exist, powerful and impressive I shall leave a profound legacy with my surging relatives.
Kiwi: I always question if life’s really worth it every time I have to lay one of my freakishly giant eggs, I’m only the size of a chicken this isn’t healthy.
Elephant bird: …is this some kind of joke?
My favorite bird is the "glider bird" of the ancient world. I was a fan of Paleo world on TLC before it went crazy with crazy show's.
I loved Paleoworld! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who remembers it, and when TLC actually meant "The Learning Channel"
Fascinating video. Convergent evolution is always a fascinating topic
The best history Channel around, your informative, to the point and you're not cramming sponsors down my throat like all the other ones, that defeats the whole point of paying the subscription fee for ad free listening, by far my favorite channel to binge listen exile I'm working
Very well presented and entertaining
I only wish ur videos would be longer or more frequent cuz i love them so much but the quality is worth waiting
Love this channel so much
Surprising info about convergent evolution. Thanks for the video.
very cool stuff!! thank you for teaching me :D
A day with moth light media content is a happy day
I love this channel!!
I love your videos. Please don’t be stop
Amazing video!
Happy late birthday! Love your videos!
Love the video man
Is it really ur birthday? (Nov 17?) if so, i find it even more meaningful that im one of ur subscribers! (Its my birthday too!) either way, thank you for ur videos. So calming a d educational.
Finally! More videos please.
i love your videos, but I get the feeling they're getting more and more quiet. Is your microphone expiring or something? I can lower the volume, but i can't raise it above maximum...
Great thanks
I'm sad that the moa and elephant bird are extinct. Same for many other species as well.
Thanks bro. You make a good teacher
I love these videos ❤
Happy birthday thank you for this content
So Cool! Thanks
Excellent video, informative and visually pleasing, except for the volume.
Please post with higher volume in future.
Thank you.
Everyone of your video is awesome! I would love to see one that would shed light on the evolution of eukaryotes, particularly the steps in acquiring organelles like the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.
Thank you for your scientific approach without sensationalism which is wonderfully refreshing.
great video
Very cool!!!
i think you are the best. please keep creating content for my primitive ape brain. i love it
I remember when I first learned of these bird's and I was terrified, I know that these are extinct but I was still chilled by these terror bird's, they still scare me even though some of their ancestors live like the Cassowary and Emu still are around I have much respect for bird's anyway.
I see moth light media, i click
Girlfriend: “Care to have your way with me tonight before bed?”
Myself: “Women please …..I need to research flightless birds stop pestering me with sex”
they got there on spirit airlines. they used to fly the planes back then.
Love it
VERY NICE
Having two large flightless birds in Australia makes sense as the main apex predator, the dingo, didn't come until the last ice age or so.
Besides the Emu and Cassowary, two close relaives, Austrila did had/have 2 compleatly diffrent flightless birds. The still in Tasmania living Tasmanian nativehen, a flightless rail. And the extinct Dromornithidaes. Also known as thunder birds, or demon ducks. They were ostrich sized cousins of ducks and geese.
Australia never had apex predator birds (that was in South America). It’s top predators were land crocs (which were also in South America) giant lizards and predatory marsupials.
Also, dingoes only got to Australia 4000 years ago, which is AFTER the last ice age.
@@hailgiratinathetruegod7564 they uncovered Dromornis bones not far from where I grew up in central Australia (a place called alcoota) and have a full sized skeleton on display…absolutely huge creatures!
well done
When I was a kid I used to call large flightless birds like the ostrich, emu, cassowary, and rhea “big birds.” I wasn’t too far off with that, though ratites are the group these birds are part of. Though all big birds are ratites but not all ratites are big birds, like the kiwi for instance since it’s a small bird.
kinda makes sense why they'd evolve into their current body plan, they just reinvented the raptor :))
The content is so interesting that I wish the sound were clearer (maybe louder).
awesome
Honestly imagine what ocean life was like when all land was in 1 place and there was just 1 massive ocean..
Great video as always. The only thing I’d mention is that, as most flying birds are bipedal launchers, it is quite common for birds to have large and strong legs relative to their size. Informative as always, though!👍
What a good feeling, seeing a new MLM video is up.
loved the video but the volume is mixed very low. can you turn it up more in future videos?
Great work, I suspect they are living dinosaurs
love hearing about evolution from you, thanks for all the content
Yes!
Giant birds fascinate me.
Thanks a lot for another video!
They're all so cute
Some birds like Pheasants prefer to run then fly.
Great.
I got to turn up the volume to max to hear this fellow so an advertisement can come through and blast my dam ear drums to bits.
I cant hear him over my fish ponds so i need my headphones which will make me deaf when the ads appear like a friggin earthquake.
You can still wisper into the mike and tune the volume up later to get that sombre tone of voice you arent capable of making otherwise.
Or is that you dont have a proper recording room and this is how you stop echoes.
So what does that mean for Gargantuavis philoinos (despite having pretty much no relation to the palaeognaths)?
I wish you would cover some freshwater fish which fall in the same puzzling separation. They don't fall in the same adaptation as a salmon which can live in saltwater and breed in freshwater. Some freshwater fish are land locked in that they live in water not connected to the ocean but their relatives are all over the world.
Bodies of water are not as permanently separated as continents. Most freshwater is connected to the ocean and virtually all freshwater had been connected to the ocean at one point in the last couple of million of years.
@@eljanrimsa5843 But most species of freshwater fish can't survice in salt water, so it is still puzzling. Sporadic floods are my best guess.
@@juanausensi499 I think you put this the wrong way round. All freshwater fish evolved from ocean fish, and many ocean fish can live in both saltwater and freshwater. Because all bodies of water have been connected to the ocean not so long ago, it is easy to see that different species may have evolved from a common ocean-going ancestor that reached both locations at some point during the last tens of millions of year.
Puzzling are only those cases where the fish are of the same species or so closely related that their common ancestor lived less than a million years ago or so, and we think the lakes didn't have a (freshwater) connection during all that time.
@@eljanrimsa5843 Of course we are talking about those cases that can't have the ocean as a nexus as an explanation. Furthermore, while is true that most water bodies are or were connected to the ocean, that's not's true for all of them. For example, alpine endorrheic lakes.
@@juanausensi499 And which superorder of fishes occurs in separated alpine endorheic lakes that have never been connected to the ocean for a hundred million years like the ratites occur on separate continents?
Birds are so diverse