Genome Shows no Recent Inbreeding in Near-Extinction Woolly Rhinoceros Sample Found in Ancient Wolf's Stomach

Area of Science:

• Paleogenomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Quaternary Science

Background:

• Assessing population dynamics before extinction events requires high-coverage ancient genomes.
• Obtaining suitable ancient remains for such genomic studies presents significant challenges.
• The woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) is a key extinct megafauna species of the Late Pleistocene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate population size changes and genomic health of woolly rhinoceros prior to extinction.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of recovering high-quality ancient DNA from unconventional sources.
• To refine the timeline and understand the extinction dynamics of Coelodonta antiquitatis.

Main Methods:

• Sequencing a high-coverage genome from 14,400-year-old woolly rhinoceros muscle tissue found in permafrost.
• Comparative analysis of genome-wide diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load with other Late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros samples.
• Inference of population size changes and recent inbreeding levels based on genomic data.

Main Results:

• No evidence of population size decline or genomic erosion was detected in the woolly rhinoceros shortly before its extinction.
• Genomic data suggest a stable population size only a few centuries preceding the species' demise.
• High-quality DNA was successfully recovered from muscle tissue preserved within a wolf's stomach.

Conclusions:

• The extinction of the woolly rhinoceros likely occurred rapidly, possibly during the Bølling-Allerød interstadial.
• The study highlights the potential of utilizing unexpected ancient remains for paleogenomic research.
• Understanding extinction dynamics can be advanced through innovative ancient DNA recovery techniques.