Biologic rhythms derived from Siberian mammoths' hairs

Area of Science:

• Paleochronobiology
• Paleogenetics
• Paleometallurgy

Background:

• Permafrost preserves ancient hair, offering valuable insights into the biological rhythms and chronobiology of extinct animals.
• Mammoth hair provides a unique historical record of biological processes, allowing for comparisons with modern species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare biological rhythms in ancient mammoth hair with those in modern human hair.
• To investigate hair growth rates, mineral content, and preservation in mammoths of varying locations and ages.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of hydrogen isotope ratios using power spectral analysis to determine biological rhythms.
• Electron microprobe analysis (k-ratios) to measure mineral content (sulfur, iron).
• Confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence microprobe, and fluorescence computed micro-tomography for structural and elemental analysis.

Main Results:

• Mammoth hair exhibited distinct biological rhythms, varying by location and differing from human hair.
• Mammoth hair growth rate was approximately 31 cm/year, significantly faster than human hair (16 cm/year).
• Seasonal variations in iron and copper content in mammoth hair suggested fluctuations in food intake.

Conclusions:

• Biologic rhythms derived from mammoth hair provide insights into the lifestyle and behavior of extinct megafauna.
• Hair preservation in permafrost is influenced by location, not solely by age.
• Modern analytical techniques applied to ancient hair reveal detailed information about past life.