Recent advances in molecular techniques allowed paleobiologists to sequence DNA that was preserved in a woolly mammoth that died ____ years ago.
A) 27,000
B) 4,000
C) 2,700
D) 1,000
E) 500

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Recent advances in molecular techniques have indeed allowed for the sequencing of DNA from ancient specimens, including woolly mammoths. The correct answer reflects a time frame that is plausible for the preservation and sequencing of DNA, considering the woolly mammoth went extinct around 4,000 years ago, with some isolated populations surviving until then. The choice of 27,000 years is within the range of what current technology can analyze, given the right preservation conditions.

Recent Advances in Molecular Techniques Allowed Paleobiologists to Sequence DNA