History of Woolly mammoth in Timeline

The woolly mammoth, extinct since the Holocene epoch, was a mammoth species descended from the early Pliocene's Mammuthus subplanifrons. Originating around 800,000 years ago in Siberia, it was closely related to the Asian elephant and co-existed and even interbred with the Columbian mammoth in North America.

1901: Discovery of the "Berezovka mammoth"

In 1901, the well-preserved "Berezovka mammoth" was discovered near the Berezovka River in Siberia. The discovery was significant due to the intact state of the mammoth, which helped scientists understand its anatomy and the environment it lived in.

1920: Russian Fur-Trapper's Alleged Mammoth Sighting

In 1920, a Russian fur-trapper reportedly encountered living "giant, furry 'elephants'" deep within the taiga. This account, relayed in 1946 by M. Gallon, contributed to the speculation surrounding surviving mammoth populations.

1924: Discovery of "Middle Kolyma Mammoth" with Complete Trunk

The discovery of the "Middle Kolyma mammoth" in 1924 provided key insights into woolly mammoth anatomy. This well-preserved specimen, an adult, was found with a complete trunk tip, a rare occurrence in fossil records. Unlike the trunk lobes of modern elephants, this mammoth's trunk tip had a distinctive structure: a long, pointed upper "finger" and a broader lower "thumb". This discovery confirmed depictions of these features in prehistoric cave paintings.

1929: Documentation of 34 Frozen Mammoths

By 1929, researchers documented the findings of 34 woolly mammoths with frozen soft tissues, indicating a growing number of significant discoveries.

1942: Osborn's Mammoth Taxonomy Publication

American palaeontologist Henry Fairfield Osborn's monograph on Proboscidea was published posthumously in 1942. Osborn's work included a significant simplification of mammoth taxonomy, suggesting that many proposed differences between species were intraspecific variations. He also proposed replacing the genus name "Mammuthus" with "Mammonteus" due to beliefs about the former's invalid publication.

1946: M. Gallon Reports Sighting of "Shaggy Beasts"

In 1946, French chargé d'affaires M. Gallon recounted a story from 1920, where a Russian fur-trapper claimed to have seen living "giant, furry 'elephants'" deep within the taiga.

1948: Discovery of the "Taimyr Mammoth"

The "Taimyr mammoth", a well-preserved woolly mammoth, was discovered in Siberia in 1948.

1948: Discovery of "Effie" in Alaska

The discovery of "Effie," a well-preserved mammoth calf found in Alaska in 1948, provided valuable insights into mammoth anatomy and preservation conditions.

1951: The Explorers Club Mammoth Dinner

In 1951, The Explorers Club claimed to have served their members meat from a frozen mammoth. However, in 2016, genetic testing revealed that the meat was actually from a green sea turtle.

1955: Bernard Heuvelmans and the Possibility of Surviving Mammoths

Bernard Heuvelmans explored the possibility of surviving mammoth populations in his 1955 book, "On The Track Of Unknown Animals." While intended as a scientific investigation into potentially undiscovered species, the book inadvertently fueled the rise of the cryptozoology movement.

1962: Bengt Sjögren on the Alaskan Mammoth Myth

Swedish writer Bengt Sjögren suggested in 1962 that a misunderstanding during Charles Haskins Townsend's Alaskan expedition contributed to the myth of surviving mammoths. Sjögren proposed that Townsend's inquiries about mammoths, accompanied by a drawing, may have been misinterpreted by the Inuit.

1977: Discovery of the "Dima" Mammoth Calf

The 1977 discovery of "Dima," a well-preserved mammoth calf in Siberia, offered crucial information about the species' development and anatomy, especially concerning its ears.

1988: Discovery of "Mascha"

The discovery of the "Mascha" mammoth in 1988, a juvenile mammoth, expanded the known range of mammoth remains and offered insights into their potential causes of death.

1989: Lausanne Conference on Ivory Trade

In 1989, the Lausanne Conference led to a ban on elephant ivory trade in many places. However, dealers attempted to circumvent this ban by labeling elephant ivory as mammoth ivory.

1990: Proposed Neotype for Woolly Mammoth

Following the presumed loss of the original lectotype specimens for the woolly mammoth, the "Taimyr mammoth", discovered in 1948, was proposed as a neotype specimen in 1990. This proposal aimed to provide a new reference point for defining the species.

1997: Discovery of the "Jarkov Mammoth"

The 1997 discovery of the "Jarkov mammoth" marked a significant event in paleontological research due to the mammoth's well-preserved state.

1999: Transportation of the "Jarkov Mammoth"

In 1999, the "Jarkov Mammoth" and a significant amount of surrounding sediment were transported from the Taymyr Peninsula to an ice cave in Khatanga, showcasing efforts to preserve and study this well-preserved specimen.

October 2000: Defrosting of the "Jarkov Mammoth" Begins

The careful defrosting operation on the "Jarkov Mammoth" commenced in October 2000, utilizing specialized techniques like hairdryers to ensure the preservation of soft tissues and advance mammoth research.

2002: Discovery of the "Yukagir Mammoth"

The discovery and excavation of the "Yukagir Mammoth" in 2002 provided important anatomical details, particularly due to the near-complete head, adding to our understanding of mammoth size and physical characteristics.

2005: Mitochondrial DNA Analysis Reveals Close Relationship Between Woolly Mammoths and Asian Elephants

In 2005, researchers successfully assembled mitochondrial genome profiles of the woolly mammoth from ancient DNA. This breakthrough confirmed the close evolutionary relationship between mammoths and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

2006: Sequencing of Mc1r Gene Provides Insights into Woolly Mammoth Hair Colour

In 2006, researchers sequenced the Mc1r gene from woolly mammoth bones, a gene known to influence hair color in mammals. The study revealed the presence of two alleles: one dominant (fully active) and one recessive (partially active). The presence of the recessive Mc1r allele, which is associated with lighter hair in mammals, suggested that some woolly mammoths may have had variations in coat color.

2006: Confirmation of Close Evolutionary Relationship Between Woolly Mammoths and Asian Elephants

Independent research teams confirmed the close evolutionary relationship between woolly mammoths and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in 2006 by assembling mitochondrial genome profiles from ancient DNA.

2007: Discovery of "Lyuba"

In 2007, a well-preserved female woolly mammoth calf nicknamed "Lyuba" was discovered. This discovery was significant due to the exceptional preservation of the mammoth's organs and skin.

2008: DNA Analysis Reveals Two Distinct Woolly Mammoth Groups with Different Extinction Times

A 2008 DNA study identified two distinct groups of woolly mammoths with different extinction timelines. The study showed one group went extinct around 45,000 years ago, while the other disappeared about 12,000 years ago. Researchers suggest the groups might be distinct enough to be classified as subspecies. Notably, the group with the earlier extinction was confined to the high Arctic, while the later-extinct group had a wider range.

2008: Genetic Study Reveals Migration Patterns of Woolly Mammoths Across Bering Land Bridge

In 2008, a genetic analysis revealed that some woolly mammoths that crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Asia to North America later returned to Asia, replacing the existing Asian population around 40,000 years ago.

2008: Mapping of Woolly Mammoth Chromosomal DNA

In a groundbreaking achievement in 2008, a significant portion of the woolly mammoth's chromosomal DNA was mapped. The analysis revealed a striking genetic similarity between woolly mammoths and African elephants, with their DNA being 98.55% to 99.40% identical. This mapping was made possible by extracting DNA from the hair follicles of two well-preserved mammoth specimens, one dating back 20,000 years and the other 60,000 years.

2010: Study Confirms Evolutionary Relationships and Divergence Times for Mammoths and Elephants

A 2010 study reaffirmed the close relationship between woolly mammoths and Asian elephants, suggesting their lineages diverged between 5.8 and 7.8 million years ago. The study also estimated that African elephants diverged from this lineage around 6.6 to 8.8 million years ago.

2011: Genetic Study Reveals Interbreeding Between Columbian and Woolly Mammoths

A 2011 genetic study revealed that two examined Columbian mammoth specimens shared a close genetic relationship with woolly mammoths, suggesting interbreeding between the two species. This finding suggested that these populations interbred and produced fertile offspring, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship than previously thought.

2011: Study Suggests Rarity of Light-Coated Woolly Mammoths

A 2011 study suggested that woolly mammoths with light coats, resulting from two copies of the recessive Mc1r allele, would have been rare in the population.

2011: Lida Xing Eats Mammoth Meat

Chinese palaeontologist Lida Xing sparked controversy in 2011 when he livestreamed himself eating cooked mammoth meat, describing the taste as unpleasant. Xing's intention was to promote scientific discussion.

2012: Study Refutes Size Reduction and Increased Sexual Dimorphism in Late Woolly Mammoth Populations

A 2012 study refuted previous claims of decreased size and increased sexual dimorphism in the last woolly mammoth populations. Despite their smaller size compared to mainland counterparts, mammoths on Wrangel Island displayed size variations and were not small enough to be classified as "island dwarfs".

2012: First Confident Identification of Woolly Mammoth Proteins

In a significant scientific advancement in 2012, proteins were successfully identified from a 43,000-year-old woolly mammoth specimen. This marked the first time proteins had been confidently identified and extracted from such an ancient mammoth specimen.

2012: Discovery of "Yuka" and Evidence of Human Interaction

The discovery of "Yuka" in 2012, a juvenile mammoth with man-made cut marks, suggested potential interactions between humans and woolly mammoths in the past, opening up new research avenues.

2013: Discovery of Mammoth with Preserved Blood

The discovery of a well-preserved mammoth carcass in 2013, with liquid blood spilling from its abdominal cavity, ignited scientific interest in the potential antifreezing properties of woolly mammoth blood, potentially aiding in understanding their adaptation to cold environments.

2014: Study Highlights Importance of Forbs in Mammoth Steppe Ecosystem

A 2014 study revealed the significant role of forbs, a type of herbaceous plant, in the "mammoth steppe" ecosystem. The study challenged previous assumptions and established that forbs were a crucial food source for large herbivores like mammoths.

2014: Study Proposes Varied Coloration in Woolly Mammoth Coats

Contrasting previous findings, a 2014 study indicated that woolly mammoth coats exhibited varied coloration, ranging from non-pigmented overhairs to a mix of pigmented and non-pigmented guard hairs and underhairs. This variation in hair pigmentation likely resulted in a lighter overall appearance for woolly mammoths.

2015: Study Suggests Hybrid Metapopulation of Columbian and Woolly Mammoths

A 2015 study proposed that Columbian and woolly mammoths interbred in areas where their ranges overlapped, forming a metapopulation of hybrids with varied morphology. This study further suggested that Eurasian woolly mammoths may have had a similar relationship with another mammoth species, *M. trogontherii*, in overlapping regions.

2015: DNA Review Confirms Asian Elephants as Closest Living Relative of Woolly Mammoth

A comprehensive DNA review conducted in 2015 reaffirmed that Asian elephants are the closest living relatives of the woolly mammoth. The study indicated that African elephants branched off from this lineage approximately 6 million years ago, coinciding with the time of divergence between chimpanzees and humans.

2015: CRISPR Gene Editing for Mammoth Genes

By 2015, advancements in CRISPR technology allowed researchers to edit specific mammoth genes into Asian elephant genomes. This marked a significant step towards potential de-extinction efforts, focusing on traits like cold resistance.

2015: Genetic Comparison of Mammoths and Elephants Reveals Adaptations for Arctic Survival

In 2015, a study compared the genomes of woolly mammoths and Asian elephants, identifying differences in genes related to Arctic adaptations. The study found changes in genes associated with skin and hair development, fat storage and metabolism, and temperature sensitivity, indicating how woolly mammoths were adapted to the cold environments they inhabited.

2015: Analysis of "Yuka" Specimen Reveals Unique Trunk Feature in Woolly Mammoths

In 2015, examination of a well-preserved juvenile woolly mammoth specimen nicknamed "Yuka" revealed a unique trunk feature. "Yuka's" trunk possessed a fleshy expansion a third above the tip, which was ellipsoidal in cross-section and double the size in diameter compared to the rest of the trunk. This feature, distinct from the oval shape typical of elephant trunks, was subsequently identified in two other mammoth specimens of varying ages and sexes, indicating it was a characteristic trait of woolly mammoths.

2015: Genome Project Completion and Revival Proposal

In 2015, the genome project for the woolly mammoth was completed. Following this, proposals were made to revive the species through various methods, although none were considered feasible at the time.

2016: Debunking the Explorers Club Mammoth Dinner

Genetic testing in 2016 revealed that the meat served at The Explorers Club mammoth dinner in 1951 was actually from a green sea turtle, exposing the event as a publicity stunt.

2019: Study Suggests Metabolic Adaptations of Woolly Mammoths to Extreme Environments

A 2019 study focusing on the woolly mammoth mitogenome proposed that these animals had genetic adaptations related to surviving in harsh environments.

2019: Study Highlights Use of Woolly Mammoth Ivory for Tools and Weapons

A 2019 study revealed that woolly mammoth ivory was the preferred material for crafting projectile points for hunting large animals during the Late Pleistocene.

2019: Signs of Biological Activity in "Yuka's" Cells

In 2019, scientists made a groundbreaking achievement by successfully transferring nuclei of "Yuka" into mouse oocytes and observing signs of biological activity, raising questions and hopes about the possibility of mammoth de-extinction.

2021: Study Suggests Combined Impact of Climate Change and Hunting on Woolly Mammoth Extinction

A 2021 study suggested that while human hunting likely put pressure on woolly mammoth populations, the ultimate cause of their extinction was probably changes in vegetation due to shifts in precipitation patterns at the end of the Ice Age. This study highlights the complex interplay of factors, including climate change and human activity, in the demise of megafauna like the woolly mammoth.

2021: Ethical Concerns and Funding for Mammoth De-extinction

In 2021, the ethical implications of mammoth de-extinction efforts were brought into sharp focus, raising concerns about habitat availability, resource allocation, and potential risks while a company raised funds to reintroduce the species.

2021: Environmental DNA Analysis Suggests Later Survival of Woolly Mammoths in Yukon and Siberia

In 2021, two studies using environmental DNA suggested that woolly mammoths might have survived in the Yukon, Canada, until about 5,700 years ago, and on the Taymyr Peninsula in Siberia until around 3,900 to 4,100 years ago. These findings indicate a potentially later extinction date for some mammoth populations compared to previous estimates.

2021: Sequencing of Million-Year-Old Mammoth DNA Reveals Hybrid Speciation

In a groundbreaking study in 2021, scientists successfully sequenced DNA from two mammoth teeth dating back over a million years, marking the first time DNA of such antiquity had been sequenced. These teeth, discovered in eastern Siberia, provided unprecedented insights into mammoth evolution. The study revealed that Columbian mammoths originated from a hybrid lineage, with half of their ancestry linked to relatives of a newly discovered lineage found in Krestovka and the other half to woolly mammoths. This hybridization event likely occurred over 420,000 years ago. The study also found that adaptations for cold environments, like hair growth and fat deposits, were present in earlier mammoth lineages, challenging the idea that these adaptations were unique to woolly mammoths.

2022: Discovery of "Nun cho ga" in North America

The 2022 discovery of "Nun cho ga," a well-preserved baby mammoth in Canada, became the most complete mammoth mummy found in North America, significantly contributing to understanding mammoth distribution and preservation across continents.

2023: Study Confirms Male Woolly Mammoths Experienced "Musth"

A 2023 study confirmed that male woolly mammoths, like bull elephants, experienced "musth," a period of increased aggression. The study analyzed testosterone levels in the dentine of a male woolly mammoth tusk and found evidence supporting this behavior. The presence of temporal glands in a well-preserved mammoth head further supports this conclusion.

2023: Vow Creates Mammoth Meatball

An Australian startup called Vow created a "mammoth meatball" in 2023 using lab-grown meat and mammoth DNA. This event highlighted the potential of cultured meat as a sustainable food source.

2023: Genetic Study Reveals Ongoing Evolution of Woolly Mammoth Adaptations

In 2023, a genetic study revealed that woolly mammoths continued to evolve adaptations for their environment over the last 700,000 years. This included genes related to skin, hair, fat storage, metabolism, and the immune system. The study also noted the evolution of a gene that resulted in smaller ears in Late Quaternary mammoths.