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PART 4

Questions 31 – 40

Complete the notes below.

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

THE EXTINCTION OF THE DODO BIRD

The dodo was a large flightless bird which used to inhabit the island of Mauritius.

History

●   1507 – Portuguese ships transporting 31 ………………. stopped at the island to collect food and water.

●   1638 – The Dutch established a 32 ………………. on the island.

●   They killed the dodo birds for their meat.

●   The last one was killed in 1681.

Description

●   The only record we have is written descriptions and pictures (possibly unreliable).

●   A Dutch painting suggests the dodo was very 33 ………………. .

●   The only remaining soft tissue is a dried 34 ………………. .

●   Recent studies of a dodo skeleton suggest the birds were capable of rapid 35 ………………. .

●   It’s thought they were able to use their small wings to maintain 36 ………………. .

●   Their 37 ………………. was of average size.

●   Their sense of 38 ………………. enabled them to find food.

Reasons for extinction

●   Hunting was probably not the main cause.

●   Sailors brought dogs and monkeys.

●   39 ………………. also escaped onto the island and ate the birds’ eggs.

●   The arrival of farming meant the 40 ………………. was destroyed.

Answer

31   spice(s)

32   colony / settlement

33   fat

34   head

35   movement

36   balance / balancing

37   brain

38   smell

39   rats

40   forest