When did Carl Linnaeus name the genus Alca for the razorbill?
Carl Linnaeus named the genus Alca in 1758. This decision anchored a family now containing 25 species across 11 genera.
Carl Linnaeus named the genus Alca in 1758. This decision anchored a family now containing 25 species across 11 genera.
Time depth recorders show that Uria guillemots can dive as deep as 270 meters. Strong-swimming murres hunt faster, schooling fish whereas auklets take slower-moving krill.
The earliest unequivocal fossils of auks are from the late Eocene some 35 million years ago. The genus Miocepphus from the Miocene 15 million years ago is the earliest known from good specimens.
Southernmost auks in California and Mexico survive there because of cold upwellings. Their ability to spread further south is restricted as their prey hunting method becomes less efficient in warmer waters.
The great auk went extinct around 1852 leaving only flying relatives behind. All except the extinct great auk can fly and are excellent swimmers and divers.