What Happened to the Last Woolly Mammoths?

Woolly mammoths were about the size of today’s African elephants, and lived alongside early humans, who hunted them for food and used their bones and tusks as tools in a variety of ways. These creatures disappeared by the end of the Pleistocene Epoch -- some 10,000 years ago -- most likely due to climate change, loss of habitat, or overhunting. However, small populations of woolly mammoths continued to survive on islands in the Arctic Ocean before succumbing to extinction about 3,700 years ago. In the end, harmful gene mutations, probably the result of inbreeding, could have prevented the last mammoths from digesting food properly, damaged their sense of smell, and changed their coats from thick and wiry to soft and silky, which left them vulnerable to the cold.

The end of a species:

• A 2017 study published in the journal PLOS Genetics compared the genomes of two woolly mammoths -- one that lived in Siberia 45,000 years ago, and one that lived 4,300 years ago on Wrangel Island off the coast of Russia.
• Researchers found that the genome of the Wrangel mammoth, unlike that of its older counterpart, was riddled with mutations, including one that has been known to cause "satiny" fur in mice.
• Genes relating to urinary proteins, known to act as pheromones, were also mutated, indicating that the mammoth’s ability to mate may have been negatively impacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the last woolly mammoths go extinct?

The last population of woolly mammoths lived on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean and went extinct around 4,000 years ago. This was nearly 6,000 years after mainland populations had disappeared, according to radiocarbon dating evidence.

What were the main causes of the woolly mammoth's extinction?

Woolly mammoths' extinction is attributed to a combination of climate change and human hunting pressures. As the Earth warmed after the last Ice Age, their habitat shrank, and human predation added additional stress to their populations, leading to their eventual demise.

How did climate change affect the woolly mammoths' survival?

Climate change led to the transformation of vast mammoth steppe grasslands into unsuitable environments like forests and peatlands. This habitat loss, along with the resulting food scarcity, significantly impacted the mammoths' ability to thrive and reproduce, contributing to their extinction.

Did human activity contribute to the extinction of woolly mammoths?

Yes, human activity played a role in the extinction of woolly mammoths. As humans spread into mammoth territories, they hunted these animals for food, tools, and shelter. This hunting, combined with environmental changes, increased the extinction pressure on mammoth populations.

Are there any efforts to bring back woolly mammoths through de-extinction?

Scientists are exploring the possibility of de-extinction for woolly mammoths using genetic engineering techniques. By splicing mammoth genes into the genome of their closest living relatives, the Asian elephant, researchers hope to recreate mammoth-like creatures, though ethical and ecological considerations remain a topic of debate.

What can we learn from the extinction of woolly mammoths?

The extinction of woolly mammoths serves as a poignant example of how species can be vulnerable to rapid environmental changes and human impacts. Studying their demise provides insights into current conservation challenges, emphasizing the importance of protecting species and habitats in the face of climate change and human expansion.