Article
Demographic reconstruction from ancient DNA supports rapid extinction of the great auk.
eLife - 26 Nov 2019
Thomas Jessica E, Carvalho Gary R, Haile James, Rawlence Nicolas J, Martin Michael D, Ho Simon Yw, Sigfússon Arnór Þ, Jósefsson Vigfús A, Frederiksen Morten, Linnebjerg Jannie F, Samaniego Castruita Jose A, Niemann Jonas, Sinding Mikkel-Holger S, Sandoval-Velasco Marcela, Soares André Er, Lacy Robert, Barilaro Christina, Best Juila, Brandis Dirk, Cavallo Chiara, Elorza Mikelo, Garrett Kimball L, Groot Maaike, Johansson Friederike, Lifjeld Jan T, Nilson Göran, Serjeanston Dale, Sweet Paul, Fuller Errol, Hufthammer Anne Karin, Meldgaard Morten, Fjeldså Jon, Shapiro Beth, Hofreiter Michael, Stewart John R, Gilbert M Thomas P, Knapp Michael
Abstract excerpt
The great auk was once abundant and distributed across the North Atlantic. It is now extinct, having been heavily exploited for its eggs, meat, and feathers. We investigated the impact of human hunting on its demise by integrating genetic data, GPS-based ocean current data, and analyses of population viability. We sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of 41 individuals from across the species' geographic range...
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