Cassowaries are born without a casque on the top of their heads. The casque develops as the bird matures and is composed of keratin… just like fingernails, hair and the horns of a rhinoceros. Why the casque developed is an evolutionary mystery and is unique to cassowaries in the bird world. True to evolution of all species: unique traits, like the casque, must have benefits for survival of this species is this particular niche in this particular environment. Perhaps the casque can be used as a weapon to ward off predators. Perhaps it is useful for foraging, pushing away vegetation to find fallen fruits. It is likely to be a secondary sexual trait; admired by prospective mates and feared by adversaries.
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