Genetic tree of moa and other ratites
|
Genetic tree of moa and other ratites
In the past, the skeletons of birds were examined to identify the moa’s closest relatives. Some of these analyses placed kiwi and moa close together, as might be expected from their shared geographical location. Recent analysis based on mitochondrial DNA, as indicated in this diagram, has shown that they are distant relatives. The issue is still being debated.
Source: Trevor H. Worthy and Richard N. Holdaway, The lost world of the moa: prehistoric life in New Zealand. Christchurch: Canterbury University Press, 2002
About this item
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
