Woolly mammoth among trove of ancient DNA found in squirrel poo - Yahoo
Scientists have discovered a treasure trove of ancient DNA, including that of woolly mammoths, preserved in frozen squirrel feces in Canada's Yukon territory. The samples, ranging from 3,000 to 700,000 years old, provide a unique look at prehistoric biodiversity.
Why it matters
This discovery demonstrates that animal waste can serve as a vital biological archive for studying extinct species and past ecosystems.
Arctic ground squirrels are "natural archivists", the scientist said (Cory WILLIAMS) (Cory WILLIAMS/Colorado State University/AFP) A huge treasure trove of ancient DNA from animals including extinct woolly mammoths has been discovered in frozen squirrel faeces in Canada's remote Yukon territory, scientists said Tuesday.
The article is a straightforward report on a scientific study.
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