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Dung helps reveal why mammoths died out

Posted on Saturday, 21 November, 2009 | 5 comments

Examination of the fungus found in ancient mammoth dung has revealed new information about what might have brought them to extinction, ruled out a massive asteroid impact and found to what extent humans might have been involved.

Mammoth dung has proved to be a source of prehistoric information, helping scientists unravel the mystery of what caused the great mammals to die out. An examination of a fungus that is found in the ancient dung and preserved in lake sediments has helped build a picture of what happened to the beasts.

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Source: BBC News

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Recent comments on this story

#1 Posted by Archer1945 on 21 November, 2009, 21:26

#2 Posted by jules99 on 22 November, 2009, 5:20
If you apply the same logic of human predation then why do elephants still exist, there doesnt seem that much difference between an elephant and a mammoth besides the tusks and hair.

#3 Posted by Wreck7 on 22 November, 2009, 6:33
So these things were hunted to extinction? The white man killed all the buffalo and the indians killed off everything else. hmmm.....who would of thunk it.

#4 Posted by :PsYKoTiC:BeHAvIoR: on 25 November, 2009, 10:15
I don't think the Natives killed off everything else. They hunted as needed for food and clothing. White men hunted for trades and profits.

#5 Posted by BiffSplitkins on 25 November, 2009, 10:34
Digging through lake mud to examine poop? Doesn't sound like a fun day at the office to me. Mammoths have always intrigued me. Probably my favorite pre-historic creature.

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