Short Wave The Life And Death Of A Woolly Mammoth
Feb 19, 2024
Audrey Rowe, a paleoecologist and PhD candidate at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, dives into the life and death of a woolly mammoth named Elma. She explores how environmental changes and early human settlements in Alaska 14,000 years ago may have led to Elma's extinction. By analyzing Elma's tusk, Audrey uncovers insights into mammoth movements and dietary habits. The discussion highlights lessons from the past that can inform modern conservation efforts for megafauna facing similar challenges today.
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Elma's Journey
- Elma, a woolly mammoth, lived 14,000 years ago in interior Alaska.
- Her tusk reveals a 1,000-mile journey and insights into her life and mysterious death.
Elma's Life and Death
- Elma's tusk reveals she was born in the Yukon and migrated to Alaska.
- She died mysteriously at 20, at peak health according to tusk analysis.
Tusk Analysis
- Mammoth tusks grow like stacked ice cream cones, recording daily nutrient intake.
- Isotope analysis reveals location and nutrition information throughout their life.