Extinction

The extinction of large animals by ancient humans triggered profound ecological changes that reshaped global history, according to a new essay series. In its final part, author Ed Stoddard explores how these 'aftershocks' led to denser forests in the Americas and Europe while burdening Africa with dangerous wildlife. This longue duree perspective highlights animals' role in human development.

January 14, 2026 由 AI 报道

Scientists have reconstructed the genome of a woolly rhinoceros from a fragment of flesh found in the stomach of a wolf pup that died 14,400 years ago in Siberia. The analysis reveals the rhino was genetically healthy, with no signs of inbreeding, challenging theories about the causes of its extinction. This discovery provides the closest genetic insight yet into the species just before it vanished.

A new study challenges the idea that dinosaurs were declining before their extinction 66 million years ago. Researchers found evidence of thriving dinosaur communities in New Mexico right up to the asteroid strike. The findings highlight distinct regional ecosystems shaped by climate.