WORLD NEWS
Woolly-rhino diversity first expanded in temperate Eurasia, not only Siberia
Major maternal lineages of woolly rhinoceroses appear to have diversified in temperate Eurasia about 460,000–420,000 years ago.
This is a phylogenetic inference from preserved DNA and habitat models, not a pinpoint birthplace or a single explanation for extinction.
Data
Screening 183 fossils yielded 29 mitochondrial and 14 nuclear genomes, combined with earlier datasets.
Sampling insight
Permafrost preserves DNA better and biases records northward; mid-latitude samples revealed overlooked diversity.
Movement
East–west maternal structure emerged around 460,000 years ago, while the Altai likely acted as refugium and dispersal hub.
Interbreeding
Nuclear data suggest gene flow with Merck’s rhinoceros, but timing and frequency remain imprecise.
Next
More dated southern fossils are needed to separate climate, people and habitat fragmentation in extinction.
Primary source and independent checks
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