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Spallanzanis great auk egg
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Spallanzanis great auk egg
Spallanzanis great auk (Pinguinus impennis) egg held in the Natural History Museum at Tring. The great auk was hunted to extinction in the middle of the 19th Century. 1941.1.1.2 (composite image) Date: 1941
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Media ID 14238891
© Mary Evans / Natural History Museum
Alcidae Black Background Charadriiformes Composite Eggshell Extinct Great Auk Pinguinus Pinguinus Impennis Sauropsid Sauropsida Studioshot Spallanzani
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the haunting beauty and historical significance of the Spallanzani Great Auk Egg, housed in the Natural History Museum at Tring. The Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), also known as the Ostrich of the Sea, was a large, flightless seabird that once thrived in the North Atlantic Ocean. Extinct since the middle of the 19th century due to overhunting, the Great Auk is now a symbol of human-induced extinction. The egg in this image, catalogued as 1941.1.1.2, is a rare and precious relic of this once-abundant species. Its black background emphasizes the intricate patterns and textures of the eggshell, which is speckled with tiny, raised dots and ridges. The sauropsid, or reptile-like, eggshell is a testament to the Great Auk's unique evolutionary history. This studio shot, taken in 1941, offers a close-up and intimate view of the egg, allowing us to appreciate its delicate features and to contemplate the loss of this remarkable bird. The image is a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect endangered species from extinction. The Great Auk's story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of the natural world and the role humans play in shaping its biosphere. This photograph is not only a visual treasure but also a historical and scientific one, offering valuable insights into the natural history of this extinct species.
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