Unraveling the Enigma: Exploring the Extinction of an Ancient Bird
Introduction:
Scientists unveil a groundbreaking discovery using AI to study the extinction of the Genyornis newtoni, a giant bird that vanished 50,000 years ago. Research led by Beatrice Demarchi, Josefin Stiller, and Matthew Collins used proteins and artificial intelligence to prove that burned eggshells belonged to the thunderbird. Learn more in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Full News:
AI Provides New Tool for Studying Extinct Species from 50,000 Years Ago
AI provides a new tool for studying extinct species from 50,000 years ago
Researchers Beatrice Demarchi from the University of Turin, Josefin Stiller from the University of Copenhagen, and Matthew Collins from the University of Cambridge and University of Copenhagen share their AlphaFold story.
Could burn marks on ancient eggshells explain the disappearance of the giant flightless bird Genyornis newtoni? This ostrich-sized “thunderbird”, dubbed “the demon-duck of doom” for its huge head, disappeared from Australia’s fossil record about 50,000 years ago. The discovery of burned eggshells led scientists, including a team of scientists led by Gifford Miller at the University of Colorado Boulder, to propose that their extinction was caused by early humans eating their eggs.
The Mystery of the Burned Eggshells
But the evidence was not clear cut. The burned eggshells seemed too thin to come from such a large bird. Were they not from something much smaller, more the size of a large turkey?
To determine whether Genyornis became extinct through human intervention, scientists needed to prove that the burnt shell fragments were indeed from eggs laid by Genyornis. That led to a new problem. The DNA in these eggshells had perished during their 50,000 years in the hot sands of the Australian desert. The researchers turned instead to proteins and artificial intelligence to help fill in the gaps.
It took a genuinely multidisciplinary team including specialists in the proteins in ancient fossils , bird genetics, archaeology and more to crack the eggshell code and find out what led to the demise of the thunderbird. Spoiler alert: the evidence suggests these evidently tasty large eggs were indeed those of Genyornis.
Implications and the Full Paper
The full paper by Beatrice, Josefin, Matthew and colleagues in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences provides a detailed account of the groundbreaking approach and findings. The use of AI and protein analysis to study extinct species offers new possibilities for understanding the prehistoric world and the impacts of early humans on ancient ecosystems.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the use of artificial intelligence has provided a new tool for studying extinct species, such as the giant flightless bird Genyornis newtoni. By analyzing burned eggshells and using protein analysis, researchers have found evidence suggesting that early humans played a role in the extinction of the “thunderbird”. This groundbreaking discovery offers new insights into the ancient world and the impact of human intervention on extinct species. For more details, read the full paper by Beatrice, Josefin, Matthew, and colleagues in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions:
### 1. What is the mystery surrounding the extinction of the ancient bird?
The mystery revolves around the sudden disappearance of the ancient bird species from the fossil record and what factors led to its extinction.
### 2. What are the leading theories about the extinction of the ancient bird?
Some leading theories include climate change, human hunting, and the introduction of predators to the bird’s habitat.
### 3. How do scientists study the extinction of ancient birds?
Scientists study the extinction of ancient birds by analyzing fossil records, studying the bird’s habitat and behavior, and using advanced imaging techniques to recreate their environment.
### 4. What role did human activity play in the extinction of the ancient bird?
Human activity, such as hunting and habitat destruction, is believed to have played a significant role in the extinction of the ancient bird species.
### 5. What impact did climate change have on the ancient bird’s extinction?
Climate change may have affected the ancient bird’s food sources, nesting grounds, and overall habitat, contributing to its extinction.
### 6. Are there any modern parallels to the ancient bird’s extinction?
Yes, the study of the ancient bird’s extinction can provide insights into current issues of biodiversity loss and the impact of human activity on natural ecosystems.
### 7. Can we learn anything from the ancient bird’s extinction to prevent future extinctions?
Studying the ancient bird’s extinction can help us understand the interconnected factors that lead to species loss and inform strategies for preventing future extinctions.
### 8. What are the implications of solving the mystery of the ancient bird’s extinction?
Solving the mystery of the ancient bird’s extinction can provide valuable lessons about the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts.
### 9. What advancements in technology have aided in solving the mystery of the ancient bird’s extinction?
Advancements in imaging technology, genetic analysis, and data modeling have allowed scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the ancient bird’s extinction.
### 10. How can the public contribute to solving the mystery of the ancient bird’s extinction?
The public can support ongoing research and conservation efforts, as well as educate themselves on the importance of preserving biodiversity to prevent future extinctions.
