Australia's marsupial mole faced population decline due to climate change, new DNA study reveals

Science

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: NPR

The **marsupial mole**, a rare species in Australia, suffered a significant population crash approximately **70,000 years ago**, likely due to **climate change**.
A **DNA analysis** of a specimen revealed that the mole's closest living relatives are **bandicoots** and **bilbies**.
The study indicates that before the decline, the population was relatively **stable**, which aligns with periods of **cooler temperatures** and falling sea levels.
Research shows the mole's **loss of vision** occurred gradually, with genes for visual capabilities degrading over time.
This research provides insights into mammalian evolution, highlighting that significant mysteries about species like the **marsupial mole** still exist.

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