Scientists have long been fascinated by the fate of woolly mammoths, which once roamed the Earth but vanished thousands of years ago. A recent genetic study has shed new light on their story, revealing that a sudden and unexpected event triggered their final collapse. The research, published in Cell, analyzed ancient DNA from 14 Wrangel Island mammoths and seven mainland ancestors dating back 50,000 years.
The findings suggest that the population of woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island began with just eight individuals and remained stable for over 6,000 years. However, genetic diversity was low due to a lack of genetic exchange with other mammoth populations. This meant that any severe defects or diseases would have had little chance to be eliminated.
The study’s authors believe that an infectious disease, potentially brought by birds, could have exploited the reduced immune system diversity, leading to the population’s collapse. Alternatively, environmental disasters such as tundra fires, volcanic activity, or extreme weather could have triggered a catastrophic loss of food resources.
This research highlights the precarious balance small populations must maintain and serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by species at the brink of extinction. The woolly mammoths’ story is not just one of survival but also one of vulnerability, reminding us that genetics, environment, and luck continue to shape the natural world.
The discovery of the cause of the woolly mammoth’s extinction is a significant contribution to our understanding of these majestic creatures and their place in the natural world. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change and species extinction, this research offers valuable insights into the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and chance events that shape the course of life on Earth.
Source: https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/scientists-discover-what-caused-the-woolly-mammoth-to-die-off