Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Paleogene: Diatryma
The genus Diatryma contains four extinct species of relatively large flightless birds. They stood well over two meters tall and could weigh up to 100 kilograms. They possessed a disproportionally massive head that could be fifty centimeters long, including a beak over twenty centimeters long (Hooper Museum 2010).Diatryma also possessed thick legs with clawed feet and tiny wings. During its era of existence, it has been considered by many to have been the top predator in modern Western Europe and North America (Enchanted Learning 2010). Interestingly enough, the debate as to whether Diatryma was carnivorous or herbivorous still continues. Some claim that its large and powerful beak was used to crack apart nuts like parrots. Others who analyzed the biomechanics of its jaw claimed that the flightless bird was carnivorous (Hooper Museum 2010). However, all modern day large flightless birds, such as ostriches, are all herbivorous (Arizona Museum of Natural History 2010). An interesting theory as to why Diatryma went extinct stated that small and agile carnivorous mammals such as Cladosictis devoured many of its eggs and young offspring, leading to massive drops in population levels (Enchanted Learning 2010).

Page by Iggy Gaska
Skeletal Deinonychus leaping towards its prey. From: American Museum of Natural History.2010.

Arizona Museum of Natural History. 2010. Diatryma. Dinosaur Hall. Accessed April 11, 2010.

Enchanted Learning. 2010. Diatryma. Accessed April 12, 2010.

Hooper Museum. 2010. Diatryma. Accessed April 12, 2010.