VIDEO

VIDEO

Naming the Birds of Paradise

Naming the Birds of Paradise

Orinthologist Ed Scholes reveals the method behind the madness of the original "twitter handles."

Grades

7 - 12+

Subjects

Biology, Geography

Program
NG Live

This video was filmed on November 1, 2012 as part of the National Geographic Live! Lecture series at National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.


Introduction
In 2004, Cornell University Lab of Ornithology scientist Edwin Scholes and field biologist and National Geographic photographer Tim Laman set out to complete the first comprehensive study of all birds-of-paradise. After eight years and 18 expeditions they have amassed photographic and video coverage of all 39 known species and documented several new behaviors. Found only in New Guinea and parts of Australia, the birds-of-paradise are a case study in the evolutionary power of sexual selection. Their fantastic plumes and bizarre courtship displays are a result of millions of years of sexual selection at work in an environment with plentiful food and no natural predators.

Outline

  • Ornithologist Ed Scholes tells the story of how the birds-of-paradise got their name (start-03:15 min.)


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Page Producers
Nina Page, National Geographic Society
Samantha Zuhlke, National Geographic Society
other
Last Updated

October 19, 2023

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