Daily Current Affairs : 7-December-2024
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, has set an extraordinary world record as the oldest known wild bird. Her life not only serves as a testament to resilience but also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable seabirds. Let’s explore more about Wisdom and the Laysan albatross species she represents.
About the Laysan Albatross
The Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) is a pelagic seabird found mainly in the North Pacific Ocean. These birds are known for their long, slender wings and impressive flying abilities, allowing them to travel vast distances across the ocean. Some key characteristics of the Laysan albatross include:
- Size and Appearance: They are medium-sized seabirds, with long wings and a slender body resembling a gull.
- Diet: These birds feed primarily on squid, fish eggs, and crustaceans that they catch far from land.
- Mating: Laysan albatrosses are known to mate for life. Each pair lays only one egg per year, and both parents share the responsibility of incubation.
Wisdom’s Extraordinary Lifespan
Wisdom, who is currently 74 years old, has exceeded the typical lifespan of most Laysan albatrosses, which usually live over 60 years. Her longevity is a rare achievement in the bird world, and she continues to contribute to the survival of her species by successfully raising offspring year after year.
- Age: At 74 years old, Wisdom holds the title of the oldest known wild bird.
- Contribution to Species: Despite her age, she remains an active breeder, proving that even in her later years, she plays an essential role in the survival of her species.
Conservation and Habitat
The Laysan albatross is primarily found in the North Pacific Ocean, with nearly the entire population nesting on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. These birds face numerous challenges, such as habitat loss and threats from human activities, but conservation efforts have played a crucial role in helping sustain their populations.
Important Points:
- Wisdom is the oldest known wild bird, at 74 years old.
- She is a Laysan albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), a seabird found in the North Pacific Ocean.
- Laysan albatrosses have long, slender wings for efficient long-distance flight.
- They primarily feed on squid, fish eggs, and crustaceans far from land.
- Laysan albatrosses mate for life and lay one egg per year, sharing incubation duties.
- Wisdom is still an active breeder, contributing to the survival of her species.
- Laysan albatrosses are mostly found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, particularly Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
- Their population faces threats from habitat loss and human activities, making conservation efforts crucial.
Why In News
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, has set a world record as the oldest wild bird, continuing to contribute to her species’ survival. Despite her remarkable age, she remains an active breeder, successfully raising offspring each year and playing a vital role in the conservation of her species.
MCQs about Wisdom: The World’s Oldest Albatross
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How old is Wisdom, the oldest known wild bird?
A) 60 years
B) 74 years
C) 80 years
D) 65 years
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Where is the Laysan albatross primarily found?
A) Atlantic Ocean
B) South Pacific Ocean
C) North Pacific Ocean
D) Arctic Ocean
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What is a key characteristic of Laysan albatrosses?
A) They mate for life and lay two eggs per year.
B) They are small seabirds with short wings.
C) They feed on squid, fish eggs, and crustaceans.
D) They migrate only in the winter season.
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What makes Wisdom’s contribution to her species significant?
A) She is the first Laysan albatross to migrate to new regions.
B) She has successfully raised offspring despite her old age.
C) She lays more than one egg per year.
D) She lives in a protected zoo environment.
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