Between fifty and thirteen thousand years ago, horses repeatedly crossed the Bering Strait between Eurasia and North America, with reciprocal genetic exchange taking place in both directions. This reflects the complex genetic heritage of horses and their interconnectedness in indigenous knowledge systems (Science, 16 May). For this study, biologists analysed genomes from 67 ancient horse fossils and known horse lineages, combining this with radiocarbon dating and isotope measurements of fossil horse collagen. The study offers new insights into horse migration and into their decline in North America whilst generalist grazers such as moose and elk flourished. (GvM)
See also:
–The untold history of the horse in the American Plains, a new future for the world – CNRS, 30 March 2023