I found out about this on "Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me: The NPR News Quiz."
‘Monster mice’ are eating island’s seabirds
Rodents evolved to triple normal size, attack much larger chicks
The island effect produces giant tortoises, giant (flightless) pigeons, and my favorite, giant monitor lizards (Komodo dragons). For some unknown reason, it also produces dwarf humans (Homo florensis) and dwarf elephants (which, according to island biogeographer David Quammen, were originally the chief prey of Komodo dragons).
EDIT: I originally spelled the name "Kwammen," for some reason
‘Monster mice’ are eating island’s seabirds
Rodents evolved to triple normal size, attack much larger chicks
The island effect produces giant tortoises, giant (flightless) pigeons, and my favorite, giant monitor lizards (Komodo dragons). For some unknown reason, it also produces dwarf humans (Homo florensis) and dwarf elephants (which, according to island biogeographer David Quammen, were originally the chief prey of Komodo dragons).
EDIT: I originally spelled the name "Kwammen," for some reason
no subject
Date: 2005-07-30 07:11 pm (UTC)