Bournemouth University DNA Study Solves 150-Year-Old Giant Crane Mystery
Scientists at Bournemouth University have solved a 150-year-old mystery regarding the identity of an extinct giant crane that lived in Europe over 20,000 years ago, Mirage News reported. Researchers determined that bone fragments previously classified as a separate extinct species are actually larger versions of the modern common crane found in Europe today.
French biologist Alphonse Milne-Edwards originally named the primeval bird Grus primigenia in the 19th century. He based the classification on bone fragments recovered from caves in southern France, which dated back to the end of the last ice age. For decades, paleontology accepted these remains as belonging to a distinct, giant species.
Ancient DNA Analysis From Five European Regions
To test the long-held species classification, a research team led by Dr. John Stewart used ancient DNA extraction techniques. The study was carried out in partnership with the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm, Sweden, analyzing genetic material from 18 crane bones discovered across England, Wales, France, Germany, and the Balearic Islands.
Previous studies had merely used the size and shape of the bones to attempt to understand these large birds,
said Dr. Stewart, Professor of Evolutionary Palaeoecology at Bournemouth University and leader of the research team. The use of DNA analysis has given us a more accurate picture of what they represent.
Investigating Past Reductions in Bird Sizes
Following the genetic findings, the Bournemouth University team plans to investigate why the prehistoric cranes experienced a reduction in body size. Researchers suspect that historical wetland drainage and human land-use changes played a role in the physical shift, though additional work is required to confirm the drivers.
The challenge going forwards is to investigate the reason for the cranes decrease in size,
Dr. Stewart stated. Wetland drainage and human land use changes are what we suspect, but more work is needed to resolve that.
Implications for Past Bird Extinctions
The study suggests that paleontology may have overestimated bird extinctions by relying solely on bone measurements. Researchers warn that other extinct bird species identified purely through size differences require ancient DNA verification to confirm their validity.
While it is true that many species of birds are vulnerable to human actions today, it may be that we have overestimated the number of extinctions in the past,
Dr. Stewart noted. Some of these may instead represent size changes to living species.
Common Questions About the Giant Crane Study
What did the new DNA study reveal about Grus primigenia?
The research revealed that the bones previously attributed to the extinct giant crane species Grus primigenia actually belong to larger versions of the modern common crane living in Europe today.
Which institutions partnered on the research?
The study was led by Bournemouth University in partnership with the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm, Sweden.
Where were the analyzed crane bones found?
Scientists extracted DNA from 18 crane bones discovered in England, Wales, France, Germany, and the Balearic Islands.
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