Part 5/8:
By examining related species, scientists learn more about the kiwi's adaptations and its fascinating evolutionary history. The kiwi is part of a broader family of flightless birds known as ratites, which includes the emu and the cassowary. Through DNA analysis, researchers have discovered deeper connections among these birds.
Unlike their counterparts in New Zealand, cassowaries faced fierce competition from mammals in Australia, causing them to evolve into powerful, aggressive hunters. In contrast, kiwi flourished in a predator-free environment where they developed different survival strategies.