The fruit of a particular tree species formed the predominant diet of the dodo. After the dodo became extinct, that tree species also became…
The fruit of a particular tree species formed the predominant diet of the dodo. After the dodo became extinct, that tree species also became extinct. Which of the following is the most likely cause for the tree's extinction?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was the exclusive agent for seed dispersal and germination of Calvaria major (tambalacoque tree) on Mauritius. The hard endocarp of Calvaria seeds required abrasion by the dodo's muscular gizzard (mechanical scarification) to thin the seed coat sufficiently for germination. After dodo extinction (~1681), no new Calvaria trees germinated for nearly 300 years. Stanley Temple (1977) famously demonstrated this by feeding seeds to turkeys — the abraded seeds germinated. This is a classic example of an obligate mutualism/co-extinction cascade.