New Skull Study Rewrites the Dodo’s Brainy Image
TL;DR
A high-resolution CT analysis of three preserved dodo skulls shows the bird’s forebrain was proportionate to other pigeons, suggesting similar cognitive abilities and challenging the stereotype of a stupid dodo; the extinction on Mauritius after humans arrived likely reflected ecological factors rather than inherent dimness, with hints the dodo may have foraged in low-light conditions due to smaller optic lobes.
- Scientists debunk long-held myth about the most famous animal extinction — turning Darwin’s theory on its head New York Post
- One of the world's only two complete dodo skulls reveals new clues about the extinct bird Phys.org
- Only two complete dodo skulls are known to exist. Scientists just looked inside them – and discovered this BBC Wildlife Magazine
- Dodo Had Surprisingly Keen Sense of Smell and Owl-Like Vision, New Study Reveals Sci.News
- Scientists Studied the Only 3 Dodo Skulls in Existence. Turns Out We Owe Them an Apology Gizmodo
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on New York Post