Moa (Noun)
Meaning
Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The kiwi is often referred to as a living relative of the moa, although they are not closely related.
- Mammals such as humans and rats preyed on moa for food in the early days of New Zealand's colonization.
- Until about the 15th century, the moa inhabited New Zealand, before becoming extinct due to overhunting.
- Efforts to conserve the kiwi are reminiscent of conservation efforts that might have been made to save the moa had it been known it was headed for extinction.
- Because moa bones have been well preserved, many are found with feather impressions that tell scientists a great deal about these flightless birds.