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Ancient DNA Reveals Mammoths' 1 Million-Year Evolution

4/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study of 34 mammoth mitochondrial genomes has unveiled their evolutionary journey over the last million years. Published in *Molecular Biology and Evolution*, the research uncovers the oldest mammoth DNA in North America, dating back 200,000 years, reinforcing the theory of an ancient Siberian origin and emphasizing the vital role of ancient DNA in unraveling species diversity.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study of 34 mammoth mitochondrial genomes has unveiled their evolutionary journey over the last million years. Published in *Molecular Biology and Evolution*, the research uncovers the oldest mammoth DNA in North America, dating back 200,000 years, reinforcing the theory of an ancient Siberian origin and emphasizing the vital role of ancient DNA in unraveling species diversity.