Fossils point to rare condition in the extinct species,
possibly caused by inbreeding and harsh conditions during pregnancy. Monitoring
vertebrae in modern rhinos could indicate the level of extinction risk
Date: August 29, 2017
Source: PeerJ
Summary:
A study reports on the incidence of abnormal cervical (neck)
vertebrae in woolly rhinos, which strongly suggests a vulnerable condition in
the species. Given the considerable birth defects that are associated with this
condition, the researchers argue it is very possible that developmental
abnormalities contributed towards the eventual extinction of these late
Pleistocene rhinos.
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