Faunal Extinction in an Island Society

The research at Akrotiri Aetokremnos significantly enhances our understanding of island biogeography and the evolutionary processes affecting dwarf island faunas. The site offers exceptional ecological and behavioral data from the Phanourios sample, shedding light on the long-term natural selection in isolated environments. It marks the end of a hippo evolution sequence on Cyprus, allowing for comparative studies on the colonization and dwarfing of hippos. Even without human evidence, Aetokremnos remains a key paleontological site, raising important questions about the colonization process of large mammals.