The Oxford Dodo. Part 2: from curiosity to icon and its role in displays, education and research

Abstract

The Tradescant or Oxford Dodo has played an important role in exhibition and education throughout its 360-year history, and has been the subject of scientific research reflecting changing interests and techniques over this time. Due to confusion over its relationships, its placement in the classification systems continually changed, until the dissection in 1847 of the head and foot confirmed its columbid (pigeons and doves) affinities. Here, we describe the dissection of the head and foot and the Tradescant Dodo’s display history, from the late nineteenth century until the present day, and also its use in education. We discuss the importance of the Tradescant Dodo to Lewis Carroll, whose ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ made the dodo aware to a worldwide audience. We further provide an overview of recent work including electron microscopic study of feathers, mDNA analysis, cytological investigation of the skin and measuring of the brain capacity, all of which have added to our knowledge of the evolution and ecology of this most extraordinary of birds. Research is ongoing; the Tradescant Dodo is presently subject to CT scanning and functional analysis. This is the second part of a two-part paper.

Keywords:

• Dodo Raphus cucullatus
• Hugh Strickland
• Alexander Melville
• dissection
• Oxford University Museum
• Lewis Carroll

Acknowledgements

We thank Errol Fuller and an anonymous referee whose comments helped improve the manuscript. We are grateful to Matt Lowe and Charis Millett, University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge University and Alison Roberts from the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford University for their help with archival material under their care.