Now, let’s look at the different types of vultures, starting with Old World vultures. Instead, this is a perfect example of convergent evolution.Ĭonvergent evolution is a phenomenon in which different species evolve with similar features across space and time.įor example, in the case of vultures, they both evolved to fill similar ecological niches, so they evolved similar features as well. This means New World vultures didn’t evolve from Old World vultures or vice versa. Instead, they find suitable locations like a hollow log, dense leaf cover, or abandoned buildings to lay their eggs in.īut the most significant difference between Old World and New World vultures is that they are not closely genetically related. However, Old World vultures have voice boxes so they can vocalize more than their New World counterparts.Īlso, New World vultures don’t build nests. New World vultures also lack a voice box, so they can only hiss or snort. In addition, their stomach acid kills off any potentially harmful bacteria in decomposing flesh.īut despite the similarities, there are many differences as well.įor starters, New World vultures are the only vultures to cool themselves by pooping on their legs. Look at it this way: If you somehow got pieces of meat stuck in your hair every time you ate a meal, you’d probably shave your head too!Īll vultures also have strong stomach acids, which help them digest rotting meat. Otherwise, blood and gore would get stuck to a vulture’s face. Because vultures stick their heads in and out of dead animals all day, a featherless head is essential for staying clean. This might make them look haggard or ugly, but it’s actually for sanitation. Most vultures worldwide have bald, featherless faces. Instead, vultures glide high above the land, looking below for carrion to feast on. This means that vultures don’t hunt, pursue, and kill prey for food as hawks or eagles do. There are many similarities when you compare Old World to New World vultures. There are 16 species of Old World vultures and 7 species of New World vultures. Old world means vultures native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and New World refers to the Americas. These can be divided into two categories: Old World vultures and New World vultures. Vultures live on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. They also play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They lack the beauty of songbirds, eagles’ power, and larks’ grace.ĭespite this, vultures are one of the most common birds in the world. Vultures aren’t the prettiest birds out there. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these vital birds and their role in the ecosystem. Many vulture species are endangered or have declining populations due to human activities, such as habitat destruction, poisoning, and hunting.
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