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As discussions about de‑extinction grow, woolly mammoths capture public imagination. Yet, detailed knowledge about their biology remains limited. A recent study from Australia has shed light on one key aspect: the average lifespan of these iconic giants.
Researchers compared the genomes of over 250 vertebrate species, searching for specific genetic markers linked to longevity. After refining their predictive model, they applied it to the mammoth’s DNA and arrived at an estimated lifespan of about 60 years.
The same methodology was tested on the passenger pigeon, which went extinct over a century ago. The model predicted a maximum lifespan of 28 years—remarkably close to the 29‑year lifespan recorded for the last surviving pigeon. While the model’s accuracy was about 75% across the species tested, it was less reliable for humans, predicting a 38‑year lifespan versus the actual average of 80+ years.
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The study focuses on cytosine‑phosphate‑guanine (CpG) sites—specific DNA sequences where methyl groups can attach. Methylation of CpG sites is a key biological marker of aging. The researchers examined the density of CpG islands—clusters of these sites—in various parts of the genome. They found a strong correlation: denser CpG islands tended to associate with longer maximum lifespans.
When applied to more than 250 vertebrate genomes, the model correctly predicted lifespan within a reasonable margin for about three‑quarters of the species. However, it does not generalize beyond vertebrates; for example, it estimated a 16‑year lifespan for the fruit fly, far exceeding the real 60‑day lifespan.
Recent retractions of two unrelated studies by lead author Benjamin Mayne have raised questions about DNA‑based age estimation. Importantly, these retractions involve different research topics, and no concerns have been raised about the lifespan estimation paper itself or Mayne’s other recent publications.
While not definitive, this research provides a promising framework for understanding longevity in extinct and extant species alike.
