What Was the Unexpected Cause of the Last Woolly Mammoths’ Extinction?
Inbreeding was not to blame
For many years, scientists believed that inbreeding was the main cause of the extinction of the last woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island. After all, the population on the island was very small, and this is often associated with increased genetic problems.
However, a new study published in the journal Cell has found that this is not the case. The researchers analyzed the genomes of 21 woolly mammoths, including 14 from Wrangel Island and seven from the mainland population that lived before the island population became isolated. They found that the island mammoths did have some genetic problems, but these were not severe enough to cause their extinction.
A Sudden Event Likely Caused their Demise
So, if inbreeding was not to blame, what killed the last woolly mammoths? The researchers believe that it was most likely a sudden event, such as a disease outbreak or a natural disaster.
Why Do These Findings Matter?
The findings of this study have important implications for conservation. They show that small populations can survive for long periods of time even with high levels of inbreeding. This is good news for conservationists who are working to protect endangered species.
Conclusion
The extinction of the woolly mammoths is a reminder of the fragility of life. Even the most iconic species can be wiped out by a single event. We must do everything we can to protect the species that we have today, so that they do not suffer the same fate as the woolly mammoths.
Deepika