Molecular exploration of fossil eggshell uncovers hidden lineage of giant extinct bird

We conducted a comprehensive molecular analysis of 1000 year old fossil eggshell to provide the first description of elephant bird phytogeography and reveal new insights into the ecology of the world's largest birds. High throughput sequencing of 21 mitochondrial genomes from across Madagascar reveal genetic variation that is correlated with eggshell morphology, stable isotope composition, and geographic distribution. Our molecular analysis provides the first insight into elephant bird speciation, and we advocate for a revision of their taxonomy that integrates palaeogenomic and palaeoecological perspectives.