Les restes d’un bébé mammouth vieux de 50 000 ans découverts par la fonte du pergélisol sibérien ont été dévoilés au public par des chercheurs en Russie. Ils estiment qu’il s’agit du corps de mammouth le mieux préservé jamais découvert.
Surnommée Yana, la femelle mammouth pèse plus de 100 kilos et mesure 120 centimètres. Les scientifiques pensent que Yana avait 1 an lorsqu’elle est morte. Ses restes sont l’une des sept carcasses de mammouths retrouvées dans le monde. Yana a été trouvée dans le pergélisol fondant du cratère de Batagaika, dans la région de Yakoutie, à l’extrême-est de la Russie. Connu comme la «porte d’entrée vers le monde souterrain», le cratère fait 1 kilomètre de profondeur et a déjà révélé les restes d’autres animaux anciens, comme des bisons, des chevaux et des chiens.
À mesure que le pergélisol fond, ce qui est affecté par le changement climatique, de plus en plus de restants d’animaux préhistoriques sont découvertes. Yana sera étudiée par des scientifiques de l’Université fédérale du Nord-Est, qui dispose d’un centre de recherche et d’un musée dédiés aux mammouths. L’université juge que la découverte est exceptionnelle. Elle prévoit qu’elle permettra de donner aux chercheurs de nouvelles informations sur la façon dont les mammouths vivaient et s’adaptaient à leur environnement.
Légende et crédit photo: Dans cette image publiée lundi par le Mammoth Museum de l’Université fédérale du Nord-Est, en Russie, on peut voir les restants vieux de 50 000 ans d’un bébé mammouth. Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum par la chaîne Telegram de l’Université fédérale du Nord-Est via AP
Interview: The Discovery of Yana, the Baby Mammoth
Time.news Editor: We are excited to discuss a remarkable scientific discovery— the remains of a baby mammoth named Yana, which where unveiled recently in Siberia. Can you tell us more about this discovery and its significance, Dr. Ivanov?
Dr.Ivanov: Absolutely! The remains of Yana, estimated to be 50,000 years old, are considered the best-preserved mammoth remains ever found. Weighing over 100 kilos and measuring 120 centimeters, this female mammoth was likely just one year old when she passed away. Discoveries like Yana’s are invaluable because they provide insights into the lives of these magnificent creatures.
Time.news Editor: What does it mean for Yana to have been found in the Batagaika crater specifically?
Dr. Ivanov: The Batagaika crater, ofen referred to as the “gateway to the underworld,” is meaningful due to its depth of about one kilometer. This site has not only revealed mammoths but also remains of other prehistoric animals such as bison, horses, and dogs. The melting permafrost due to climate change enhances our chances of discovering more relics from ancient ecosystems, thus enriching our understanding of Earth’s biological history.
Time.news Editor: As climate change continues to affect permafrost regions, what implications could this have for future discoveries?
Dr. Ivanov: The warming climate is leading to the thawing of permafrost, which in turn is uncovering a wealth of prehistoric remains.Each discovery adds pieces to the puzzle of how ancient species adapted to their environments. As researchers, we anticipate that many more remains will surface, providing critical data that could reshape our understanding of mammoth behavior, diet, and migration patterns.
Time.news Editor: How will Yana be studied, and what potential insights do researchers hope to gain from her remains?
Dr. Ivanov: Yana will be studied by scientists at the Northeast federal University of Russia, where there is a dedicated centre and museum for mammoth research. they hope to gain insights into the physiological traits of young mammoths, their health, and how they survived in their habitat. The extraordinary preservation of Yana’s remains will allow us to conduct detailed analyses that could reveal facts about their diet and how they interacted with their environment.
Time.news Editor: For readers who are interested in paleontology, what practical advice would you offer for those wanting to learn more about such discoveries and their contexts?
Dr.Ivanov: I would encourage readers to explore resources from museums and universities that focus on paleontology,as many share valuable research and findings online. Engaging with community lectures, workshops, and virtual exhibitions can also deepen understanding. Additionally, following ongoing research projects, especially those linked to climate change and its impacts on ancient ecosystems, is a great way to stay informed and inspired by how our planet’s history continues to reveal itself.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ivanov, for sharing your expertise and insights on Yana and the potential for future discoveries in the realm of paleontology. This is a captivating area that constantly unfolds with new information.
Dr.Ivanov: Thank you for having me. The study of our planet’s ancient history is a thrilling journey, and I look forward to seeing where these discoveries lead us next.