Ancient DNA reveals deeply complex Mastodon family and repeated migrations driven by climate change (IMAGE)

McMaster University

Ancient DNA reveals deeply complex Mastodon family and repeated migrations driven by climate change

Caption

An adult mastodon (Mammut sp.) consuming a spruce branch set against a backdrop illustrating their cyclical continental migrations linked to climate fluctuations. At least two species of mastodons roamed North America during the Middle and Late Pleistocene – the American mastodon, stretching from the eastern seaboard to central parts of the continent, and the Pacific mastodon from central Alberta through California.

Credit

Illustration by Kathryn Killackey

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