< >
Forced to adapt due to centuries of deforestation and human-induced climate change, the once passive toucans have evolved into vicious, carnivorous predators on the grasslands of the tropical savannas. With a lack of fruits and nuts to consume, toucans have developed shorter, more-curved beaks that aids them in tearing the meat of their preys. The toucan’s over-sized beaks are used to control its internal temperature through blood vessels near the surface of the bill. The futuristic toucan also has a wider wingspan to accommodate for its decreased body size as hotter temperatures pressure the birds to become smaller to stay cool. The “new” toucan is armed with longer, sharper talons that can capture preys like rodents. The toucan’s lighter feather tones of yellow and brown, compared to its original black feathers, enable the bird to prevent overheating by reflecting the heat waves of the blazing sun.