Is the dodo bird an index fossil?

The dodo bird, known scientifically as Raphus cucullatus, is commonly viewed as an extinct species but not typically considered an index fossil.

Index fossils are significant because they define and characterize distinct geological periods based on their wide distribution, short geological range, and abundance in the specific time interval they represent. Index fossils are vital for correlating strata across different geographic regions.

While Dodo birds can offer valuable paleontological insights and are well-known as an extinct endemic species limited to Mauritius, they are not traditionally regarded as typical index fossils for dating rocks and delineating specific stratigraphic ages.