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Pachyornis elephantophus, moa bird
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Pachyornis elephantophus, moa bird
The giant extinct bird seen here is a Moa and is about 5000 years old, found exclusively in New Zealand
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 8606131
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10710366
Australasia Bone Cenozoic Dinornithidae Dinornithiformes Emeidae Giant New Zealand Phanerozoic Prehistoric Quaternary Quaternary Epoch Ratite Sauropsid Sauropsida Skeleton Dinornis Elephantopus
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Glimpse into the Past: The Majestic Moa, Pachyornis elephantopus, of New Zealand The captivating image before you showcases the nearly complete skeleton of a Pachyornis elephantopus, also known as the Heavy-footed Moa or Elephant-footed Moa. This extinct giant bird, hailing from the unique and isolated lands of New Zealand in the Australasian region, dates back approximately 5000 years, making it a fascinating relic of the Quaternary epoch within the Phanerozoic Con, a geological period spanning the past 541 million years. As members of the Ratite order, Moas were flightless, heavy-bodied birds that roamed the islands of New Zealand during the Cenozoic and Quaternary eras. The Pachyornis elephantopus, in particular, was one of the largest Moa species, boasting an impressive height of up to 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). Its anatomy, as evident in this skeleton, reveals heavy, robust legs, which earned it the name "heavy-footed Moa." The Moa's existence was exclusive to the islands of New Zealand, which were isolated from other landmasses during the Late Miocene epoch, around 15 million years ago. This isolation allowed the Moa to evolve without the presence of predators, leading to their unique anatomy and size. This skeleton, a testament to the rich biosphere of New Zealand's past, is an essential piece of the puzzle in understanding the anatomy and evolutionary history of the Moa and the diverse avian species that once inhabited this remarkable island nation. The Pachyornis elephantopus, with its intriguing history and distinctive features, continues to captivate scientists, nature enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity for the natural world. This image serves as a reminder of the vast array of wonders that can be discovered by exploring the depths of Earth's prehistoric past.
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