Tracking the impact of Holocene environmental change on the population genetics and demographics of four Baltic seal species (BALTIC SEALS HISTORY)

The aim of the project is to test the hypothesis that distinctive life histories led to substantial differences in the long-term dynamics of genetic and demographic changes between closely related species inhabiting the same changing environment. This will be achieved through: * reconstructing demographic and genetic changes in each population during the Holocene using ancient DNA techniques and coalescent models * comparing the population dynamics of the four species in the context of climate-induced environmental change, human exploitation, and their life histories * reconstructing the evolutionary process leading to the extinction of the Baltic harp seal. These data will facilitate the development of predictive models of the impact of future climate change on the extant Baltic seals.