Scientists have finally proven that Forest-dwelling African elephants and Savana elephants are different species. This was recently proven in a genetic test that confirmed the difference in the DNA. It seems that their common ancestor evolved into different species between 2.6 and 5.6 million years ago. To reach this conclusion the scientists tested a 43,000 year old wooly mammoth bone from Siberia and a 50,000- 130,000 year old North American mastodon tooth. Alfred Roca, who always thought the animals were different was still extremely surprised at their immense differences. Although this theory is not final, many scientists believe that there is not enough evidence to prove otherwise.
This discovery was proved with discovery based science, since they used hypotheses and tests to determine the relationship between the two species. This research is not particularly important to humans because it has nothing to do with our species, but it is an important discovery in the way that it puts to rest all other ideas about these specific species.
Author: Tina Hesman Saey
Title: African elephants are two species
Journal: ScienceNews
Date Published: January 15, 2011
Page: 16
1 comment:
Make sure you review the difference between Discovery Science and Hypothesis-based Science.
Post a Comment