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For over 150 years, scientists believed that large crane bones found in European caves belonged to an extinct species. Recent ancient DNA analysis revealed these bones actually belong to the common crane, raising questions about other prehistoric birds classified as extinct. Researchers from Bournemouth University conducted DNA tests on crane fossils from various locations, confirming their findings. The study suggests that size differences between male and female cranes may have led to earlier misidentifications. Future research will explore why prehistoric cranes were larger than modern ones, with habitat changes being a potential factor. This discovery indicates that some previously classified extinct bird species may need reevaluation based on genetic evidence.