"High-altitude Mice: Earth's Highest-dwelling Vertebrates Found on Volcano Summit"

A study confirms that the world's highest-dwelling vertebrates are small mammals living on the snow-capped tops of volcanoes in the Andes, challenging previous assumptions about the limits of vertebrate life. Researchers discovered live and mummified leaf-eared mice at elevations of up to 22,000 feet, with evidence suggesting that these mice are resident populations rather than transient visitors. The genetic similarity among the high-dwelling rodents and the presence of rodent burrows further support their ability to thrive in these extreme conditions. The mystery of how these mice survive in their frigid habitat remains unsolved, but ongoing research aims to shed light on their diet and thermoregulation.