The results show that the Saimaa ringed seal separated from other ringed seals more than 60,000 years ago—that is, long before the formation of Lake Saimaa, which took place 10,000 years ago.

Taken together, genetic and morphological differences support the species status. “Saimaa ringed seal was identified as distinctly different from other ringed seals already in the 19th century.

The results show that the Saimaa ringed seal separated from other ringed seals more than 60,000 years ago—that is, long before the formation of Lake Saimaa, which took place 10,000 years ago.