Ancient DNA confirms humans wiped out northern hemisphere's version of the penguin
Friday, December 13, 2019 - 08:50
in Paleontology & Archaeology
The North Atlantic was once home to a bird that bore a remarkable similarity to penguins. The great auk, also known as "the original penguin", was a large, flightless, black and white bird, that is said to have existed in the millions. Despite its appearance, the great auk is actually a relative of razorbills and puffins, not of penguins. However, since around 1844, the northern hemisphere has been without its version of the penguin and it looks like we are to blame.