Evolution of the Giant Flightless Birds

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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[yissibiiyte]

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.

[dariuszgaat]

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.

[arrowtongue]

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.

[brendanhoffmann]

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!

[shockwonders]

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.

[galloe]

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!

[An_Actual_Rat]

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.

[idrissbenaziz]

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.

[daniell]

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?

[bullen]

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:)

[thamasaurus]

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! :)

[Ptaku]

Would've been cool if you'd included a tree showing relationships between all the paleognaths

[benmcreynolds]

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.

[TheGreenKnight]

Don't think of it as losing flight. Think of it as returning to dinosaur 🦕👍

[justinianthegreat]

It's really fascinating how these dinosaurs survived for so long

[barron]

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.

[riceboi]

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!

[mojom.]

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 ^^

[rl]

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.

[jeffreytam]

Love your voice-it's perfect for narration and somehow feels especially appropriate for your subject matter