Tag: Neotropics
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Great Curassow: A Neotropical Specialty
Walking through the lowland rainforests of Central America, you hear a rustling off-trail along the forest floor. Scanning the dense foliage of the understory, you catch a glimpse of a large, turkey-like bird. It is glossy black all over with a bright yellow knob above the bill and a perfectly curled crest as if it…
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Hornbills & Toucans: A Tale of Convergent Evolution
Hornbills and toucans are excellent examples of convergent evolution. Imagine yourself standing in a rainforest in Malaysia. The gigantic, towering trees overhead close the canopy providing you some appreciated shade from the strong tropical sun. Abundant vines and lianas drape over the large branches and circle tree trunks. Mosses, lichens, epiphytes and other plants blanket…