Abstract:The latest data on holes in the spinous processes of the vertebrae of woolly mammoths, a rare pathology, are presented. This was identified at 19 sites of northern Eurasia. Such destructive changes are recorded ca. 34–12k 14C a bp, and only two sites dated to >50k and >41k 14C a bp. The main hypotheses about hole formation are: vertebral abnormalities; bone infections; genetic traits; and unfavourable geochemical environment. The pathology occurred in mammoths of all age groups, and could have arisen at the em… Show more
“…5, 11). In general, this is usually a sign of osteodystrophy, which often develops due to a deficiency of vital macro- and microelements in the environment and, concomitantly, in forage and drinking water (Chepurov et al, 1955; Kovalskiy, 1974; Leshchinskiy, 2015; Leshchinskiy et al, 2021a). Figure 11.Mammoth vertebra with a hole in the spinous process (2016 excavations).…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Research shows that this led to chronic mineral starvation of animals and the formation of mammoth cemeteries around “beast solonetz” (salt or mineral licks), which served as mineral oases. In our opinion, the process of mammoth extinction in Northern Eurasia lasted for at least 20,000 years, and was largely caused by geochemical stress, clear manifestations of which were skeletal diseases (Leshchinskiy, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017; Leshchinskiy et al, 2021a).…”
This paper describes the results of research at Volchia Griva, the largest site in Asia containing mammoth fauna in situ. It is situated in the south of the West Siberian Plain in the Baraba forest-steppe zone, and occupies an area of several hectares. Analysis of sediments and taphonomy of the site allows us to suggest that thousands of megafaunal remains were buried here in mud pits and erosional depressions. The favorable geochemical landscape of Volchia Griva attracted animals during periods of mineral starvation. This is reflected in the high mortality in two intervals, ca. 20–18 14C ka BP and ca. 17–11 14C ka BP. The results of palynological analysis of samples from the upper part of the Volchia Griva section made it possible to reconstruct the history of landscape changes of the Baraba Lowland during the MIS 2. Forb-mesophytic meadows were common at the beginning of this period, with taiga type forests. At ca. 20 14C ka BP, an abrupt and significant aridization of the climate occurred, which led to the degradation of forests. The mammoth steppe was widely developed, dominated by forb-grass association and with areas of alkali meadows and soils. Such conditions existed probably until the mid-Holocene.
“…5, 11). In general, this is usually a sign of osteodystrophy, which often develops due to a deficiency of vital macro- and microelements in the environment and, concomitantly, in forage and drinking water (Chepurov et al, 1955; Kovalskiy, 1974; Leshchinskiy, 2015; Leshchinskiy et al, 2021a). Figure 11.Mammoth vertebra with a hole in the spinous process (2016 excavations).…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Research shows that this led to chronic mineral starvation of animals and the formation of mammoth cemeteries around “beast solonetz” (salt or mineral licks), which served as mineral oases. In our opinion, the process of mammoth extinction in Northern Eurasia lasted for at least 20,000 years, and was largely caused by geochemical stress, clear manifestations of which were skeletal diseases (Leshchinskiy, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017; Leshchinskiy et al, 2021a).…”
This paper describes the results of research at Volchia Griva, the largest site in Asia containing mammoth fauna in situ. It is situated in the south of the West Siberian Plain in the Baraba forest-steppe zone, and occupies an area of several hectares. Analysis of sediments and taphonomy of the site allows us to suggest that thousands of megafaunal remains were buried here in mud pits and erosional depressions. The favorable geochemical landscape of Volchia Griva attracted animals during periods of mineral starvation. This is reflected in the high mortality in two intervals, ca. 20–18 14C ka BP and ca. 17–11 14C ka BP. The results of palynological analysis of samples from the upper part of the Volchia Griva section made it possible to reconstruct the history of landscape changes of the Baraba Lowland during the MIS 2. Forb-mesophytic meadows were common at the beginning of this period, with taiga type forests. At ca. 20 14C ka BP, an abrupt and significant aridization of the climate occurred, which led to the degradation of forests. The mammoth steppe was widely developed, dominated by forb-grass association and with areas of alkali meadows and soils. Such conditions existed probably until the mid-Holocene.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
