Documentary backdrop image for When Birds Stopped Flying (2018)

20188 minGdoc-short

When Birds Stopped Flying

20188 minGdoc-short

Ratites, including ostriches, emus, and kiwis, adapted to diverse environments across continents, revealing insights into their evolutionary history and global distribution.

Genres

Channel: PBS Eons

When Birds Stopped Flying

2018• 8 minG

Synopsis

Ratites, including ostriches, emus, and kiwis, adapted to diverse environments across continents, revealing insights into their evolutionary history and global distribution.

Synopsis

Ratites, a group of flightless birds that includes ostriches, emus, and kiwis, are found across Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Fossil evidence suggests their ancestors once inhabited Europe, Asia, and North America. "When Birds Stopped Flying" explores the evolutionary adaptations of these birds to diverse environments and the ecological factors influencing their distribution. Insights from paleontologists and avian evolution experts provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics and historical significance of ratites in the animal kingdom.

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