Demographic reconstruction from ancient DNA supports rapid extinction of the great auk.

摘要: The great auk was once abundant and distributed across the North Atlantic. It is now extinct, having been heavily exploited for its eggs, meat, feathers. We investigated impact of human hunting on demise by integrating genetic data, GPS-based ocean current analyses population viability. sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes 41 individuals from species' geographic range reconstructed structure dynamics throughout Holocene. Taken together, our data do not provide any evidence that auks were at risk extinction prior to onset intensive in early 16th century. In addition, viability reveal even if had under threat environmental change, alone could have sufficient cause extinction. Our results emphasise vulnerability widespread species intense localised exploitation.