All articles tagged with #ancient animals
Scientists analyzed microbial DNA from over 480 mammoth remains spanning more than a million years, discovering host-associated bacteria like Erysipelothrix, which may have influenced mammoth evolution. The study highlights the potential of ancient microbiome research to deepen understanding of extinct animals' health and evolutionary history.
Scientists have reconstructed the life of a 14,000-year-old female woolly mammoth, nicknamed Elma, by analyzing the chemicals in her tusk. The study revealed that Elma was born in the Yukon, moved to central Alaska a decade later, and likely fell to hunters at around 20 years old. By examining the mineral layers on mammoth tusks, researchers hope to uncover insights into how these ancient animals lived and ultimately became extinct, potentially shedding light on the role of humans in their demise.
Mysterious bird-like footprints found in Africa, dating back 210 million years, predate the existence of birds by 60 million years. Researchers from the University of Cape Town identified two distinct morphotypes of footprints, one resembling those made by birds and the other a closer match for modern-day birds. These footprints provide evidence that dinosaurs may have exhibited bird-like traits much earlier than previously thought. The exact identity of the creature that left these footprints remains unknown, but it is believed to be a three-toed archosaur, a branch of the evolutionary tree that includes birds and crocodiles. The study sheds light on the ancient diversity and evolutionary trends of birds.
Paleontologists have discovered traces of the toxic pigment that causes red hair, known as pheomelanin, in 10 million-year-old frog fossils. The preserved fragments of pheomelanin, which produces ginger-colored hair, were found in liver tissues of the ancient amphibians. The study pushes the boundaries of what information can be obtained from fossils and provides insights into the evolution of different pigments in ancient animals. Scientists are still investigating why pheomelanin evolved despite its toxicity to animals.
Paleontologists at University College Cork have discovered evidence of phaeomelanin, a pigment found in red hair, in a 10 million-year-old frog fossil. This finding will help researchers better understand the color profiles of extinct animals and the evolution of colors in animals. The discovery suggests that red hair gene dates back millions of years and was not exclusive to humans. The study also highlights the potential for exploring biochemical evolution using the fossil record. While red hair was once more common, it now only makes up two percent of the human population, making it the rarest hair color in the world.