New research published in Cell challenges the long-held belief that the extinction of woolly mammoths from Wrangel Island was due to inbreeding. Instead, genetic diversity plays a key role in the survival of a species, acting as an insurance policy against extinction. When a population has a mixture of unrelated individuals, one is more likely to possess a heritable trait that can protect the species from threats. This diversity allows beneficial traits to be passed on to future generations, ensuring the survival of the species.
On the other hand, when small populations are forced to breed within a limited gene pool over multiple generations, deleterious mutations can become concentrated, leading to a phenomenon known as mutational dilution. This process has the potential to wipe out entire populations, as seen in the case of woolly mammoths from Wrangel Island. The new study highlights the importance of genetic diversity in maintaining species resilience and survival, offering new insights into the factors that contribute to extinction.
Despite their isolation on Wrangel Island, woolly mammoths managed to survive for thousands of years before becoming extinct around 4,000 years ago. However, their extinction was not due to inbreeding alone but also due to genetic diversity playing a key role in their survival. When populations have diverse genes and mix with each other over time, it’s more likely that they will have heritable traits that can protect them from threats such as changing climate or predators.
The new research sheds light on how important genetic diversity is for maintaining species resilience and survival. It shows that when small populations are forced to breed within a limited gene pool over multiple generations, harmful mutations can become concentrated and lead to mutational dilution which may eventually lead to extinction.
In conclusion, while genetic diversity may not be enough for all species’ survival but it certainly plays an important role in maintaining species resilience and preventing extinction. New research has shed light on how important this aspect is for different species and their ability to adapt and survive under various conditions.