” These are generally freeze-dried, mummified mice,” Storz said.Jay Storz, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln, works to excavate a mouse mummy on the top of an Andean volcano.” Genetic Insights and Baffling SurvivalThe mummified state of the mice likewise assisted preserve their DNA, enabling Storzs collaborators from the University of Montana to compare genetic variation among leaf-eared mice gathered in the lowlands, midlands, and highlands of Atacama Desert. Combined with the recent discovery of other live specimens and mouse burrows in the heights of the Puna de Atacama, or Atacama Plateau, Storz stated it seems that the leaf-eared mouse is not simply exploring the volcanic tops, however in some way living on them.
No mammal had actually ever been found living at such severe altitude.Alongside the capture of more live specimens, Storz and his colleagues have actually now reported the discovery of 13 leaf-eared mouse cadavers across the summits of 3 surrounding volcanoes– Salín, Púlar, and Copiapó– that each stretch nearly 4 miles above sea level.” These are basically freeze-dried, mummified mice,” Storz said.Jay Storz, a teacher of biological sciences at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln, works to excavate a mouse mummy on the top of an Andean volcano.” Genetic Insights and Baffling SurvivalThe mummified state of the mice also assisted protect their DNA, allowing Storzs partners from the University of Montana to compare hereditary variation among leaf-eared mice collected in the lowlands, midlands, and highlands of Atacama Desert.” Our genomic data indicate no: that the mice from the tops, and those from the flanks or the base of the volcanoes in the surrounding desert surface, are all one huge pleased family,” Storz said, mentioning it as more proof that the mummies were not hitchhikers however mountaineers.In truth, the team found that two sets of the leaf-eared mummies on Salín were closely associated, potentially parents or siblings and offspring. Integrated with the current discovery of other live specimens and mouse burrows in the heights of the Puna de Atacama, or Atacama Plateau, Storz said it seems that the leaf-eared mouse is not simply exploring the volcanic tops, however somehow living on them.