Ancient Squirrel Poop Reveals Pleistocene Secrets | Science News

Ancient squirrel poop frozen in Yukon permafrost is rewriting history—scientists are unlocking secrets of the Pleistocene by analyzing DNA from droppings unearthed by gold miners. These time capsules reveal a surprisingly diverse diet including grasses, willows, beetles, and even scavenged mammoth and bison remains, painting a complex picture of prehistoric ecosystems. The oldest samples, nearly 700,000 years old, may represent a new species linked to modern Chinese squirrels, challenging long-held assumptions about ancient rodent populations. This stinky treasure trove proves that even the smallest remnants can unlock major scientific breakthroughs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2b7b7b562c47289e