Flightless birds on island often have relative on the mainland that can fly. The island species presumably evolved from fliers that, in the absences of predators, lost their ability to fly. Many island population of flightless birds are in decline because rats have been introduced to their previously isolated island habits. Despite current selection pressure in favor of flight, no flightless island bird species has regained the ability to fly. Why is this unlikely to happen?

BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:STARR
Chapter39: Animal Behavior
Section: Chapter Questions
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Flightless birds on island often have relative on the mainland that can fly. The island species presumably evolved from fliers that, in the absences of predators, lost their ability to fly. Many island population of flightless birds are in decline because rats have been introduced to their previously isolated island habits. Despite current selection pressure in favor of flight, no flightless island bird species has regained the ability to fly. Why is this unlikely to happen?

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