DNA from mammoth remains reveals the history of the last surviving population

DNA analysis of mammoth remains from Wrangel Island challenges the belief that inbreeding led to their extinction around 4,000 years ago. A study published in Cell compared genomes from mainland and isolated Wrangel Island mammoths over 50,000 years, revealing a severe population bottleneck with fewer than 10 individuals at one point. Despite inbreeding depression and genetic defects, the population remained stable for 6,000 years before extinction. The research suggests that harmful mutations were purged over time, indicating a lengthy evolutionary process. The study highlights the complex history of the Wrangel Island mammoths and the challenges small populations face. Lead author Marianne Dehasque emphasized the long-lasting negative effects of harmful mutations on the population until its extinction. The findings shed light on the resilience and genetic dynamics of isolated mammoth populations, offering insights for conservation efforts today.