- Scientists have found RNA in woolly mammoth remains.
- The tissue came from Siberian permafrost and stayed frozen.
- The sample belonged to Yuka, a young mammoth.
- The RNA is nearly 40,000 years old.
- Researchers sequenced the RNA molecules from the muscles.
- RNA shows genes active near death.
- Emilio Mármol led the research in Copenhagen.
- Scientists hope to use RNA with DNA and proteins.
- The University of Copenhagen reported the study.
- The discovery may teach us about extinct animals.
Difficult words
- mammoth — A very large ancient elephant-like animal
- permafrost — Soil or ground that stays frozen all year
- tissue — Material in a living animal or plant
- sequenced — To find the order of parts in something
- genes — A part of a cell that gives information
- extinct — No longer living on Earth
- muscles — A body tissue that helps move parts
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen an animal skeleton in a museum?
- Do you want to learn about extinct animals?
- Do you know the name of any extinct animal?
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