New Zealand split from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana about 85 million years ago. Isolated in the ocean ever since, life evolved in unique ways here β creating species found nowhere else on Earth.
Aotearoa is one of the best places on Earth to study evolution!
Organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common.
Features that help organisms survive in their environment. Adaptations develop over many generations through natural selection.
On islands, species often evolve to be unusually large (like the moa) or small (like the wrens) compared to mainland relatives.
Evolution story: With no land predators, kiwi ancestors lost the ability to fly. Wings shrunk, became hair-like feathers. Developed strong legs for ground life.
Adaptations: Nostrils at tip of beak (only bird!), whiskers for navigation.
Evolution story: Not a lizard! Last surviving member of an ancient order. Relatives died out 60 million years ago elsewhere.
Adaptations: Third "eye" on head for sensing light, slow metabolism, lives 100+ years.
Evolution story: Without small mammals, wΔtΔ evolved to fill that ecological niche. Became giant compared to other insects.
Adaptations: Can weigh more than a sparrow, freeze-tolerant blood.
Evolution story: World's only flightless parrot. Evolved without predators. Its freeze response was great until cats arrived.
Adaptations: Nocturnal, ground-dwelling, incredible camouflage.
Moa were giant flightless birds β the largest stood 3.6 metres tall! Nine species evolved, filling the role that large mammals play on other continents.
Zealandia separates from Gondwana
NZ nearly submerged β only small islands remain
Land rises; modern mountain building begins
First human arrival β major impact on species
Moa and Haast's eagle extinct
Conservation efforts to save remaining species
Choose one NZ endemic species and answer:
My species analysis: