DNA reveals new clues: Why did mammoths die out?
Thursday, February 6, 2014 - 12:32
in Paleontology & Archaeology
Why did mammoths and other large mammals of the tundra suddenly become extinct some 10,000 years ago? It's a question that has divided scientists over the years. Now researchers from Lund University in Sweden (and 30 other research teams from 12 countries), have used new DNA technology to show that a drastic change in the dominant vegetation - from protein-rich herbs to less nutritious grass – could be behind their demise.