Genome data on the extinct Bison schoetensacki establish it as a sister species of the extant European bison (Bison bonasus)

Abstract

This work provides genetic evidence supporting the continuing presence of Bison schoetensacki up to the Upper Pleistocene. Bison schoetensacki turns out to be a sister species of Bison bonasus, excluding the steppe bison Bison priscus as a direct ancestor of the European bison.