Roughly 14,400 years ago, a wolf pup in what is now Russia consumed the flesh of a woolly rhinoceros, providing scientists with a rare glimpse into the final days of the extinct species. A genomic analysis of the rhino tissue, extracted from the pup's stomach, suggests that the woolly rhino population experienced a rapid collapse leading to its extinction. The findings, published in Genome Biology and Evolution on January 14, point to a potential link between a warming climate and the rhino's demise.

The analysis offers a unique opportunity to study the genetic makeup of a species on the brink of extinction. "Finding one of the last members of a species is very rare," said Morten Allentoft, a molecular ecologist at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. "You actually have access and direct insights into the gene pool of a species just as it's disappearing."

The woolly rhinoceros ( Coelodonta antiquitatis ) roamed northern Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene period. Scientists have long debated the reasons for its extinction, with theories ranging from human hunting to climate change. This new research provides further evidence supporting the climate change hypothesis, suggesting that a swift population collapse, possibly triggered by rising temperatures, ultimately led to the species' disappearance.

The research team employed advanced DNA sequencing techniques to analyze the preserved rhino tissue. By comparing the genetic information with existing woolly rhino genomes, they were able to determine that the individual consumed by the wolf pup belonged to one of the last surviving populations. This type of analysis relies on algorithms that can identify patterns and variations in DNA sequences, allowing scientists to trace evolutionary relationships and population dynamics. The use of AI in genomics is rapidly accelerating the pace of discovery, enabling researchers to analyze vast datasets and uncover insights that would have been impossible just a few years ago.

"It is even more amazing that the team [found this]," said Nic Rawlence, a palaeoecologist at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The implications of this research extend beyond the woolly rhino. Understanding the factors that contributed to past extinctions can provide valuable lessons for conserving endangered species today. As the Earth continues to experience rapid climate change, many species face similar threats to those that may have driven the woolly rhino to extinction. By studying the genetic signatures of past population declines, scientists can identify vulnerable populations and develop more effective conservation strategies. Future research may focus on analyzing other ancient DNA samples to further refine our understanding of the woolly rhino's extinction and the broader impacts of climate change on biodiversity.