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Vocabulary
Extinct-no longer existing
Dinosaurs has been extinct for over 65 million years.
Genus– a scientific group of related species
Palaeoloxodon is the genus that includes several ancient elephant species
Ancestors– People, animals, or plants from whom later generations develop; family members or species that lived in the past.
Naumann’s elephant migrated from its African ancestors thousands of years ago.
Migrated– Moved from one place to another, usually over a long distance or period of time, often for better living conditions.
The elephants migrated to Japan when land bridges formed during a glacial period.
Descended– Came from or developed from an earlier person, animal, or group.
Naumann’s elephant descended from an ancient group of African elephants.
Article
DNA Breakthrough Sheds Light on Japan’s Extinct Naumann’s Elephant
A Japanese-led research team has successfully carried out the first DNA analysis of Naumann’s elephant, an extinct species that once lived in Japan. This breakthrough has helped scientists better understand the elephant’s evolutionary history.
Naumann’s elephant belonged to Palaeoloxodon, an extinct genus of straight-tusked elephants that originated in Africa and later spread across Eurasia. Researchers from the University of Yamanashi, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and other institutions discovered that Naumann’s elephant diverged from its African ancestors much earlier than previously believed—around 1.05 million years ago.
While some Palaeoloxodon species grew over four meters tall, Naumann’s elephant was relatively small, standing between two and three meters at the shoulder. Its ancestors likely migrated to Japan during a glacial period, when lower sea levels created land bridges connecting Japan to the Asian continent.
Naumann’s elephant is thought to have become extinct between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Although fossils have been found at around 300 sites across Japan, its genetic lineage remained unknown until now. The research team extracted mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mother to offspring, from molar fossils dating back 49,000 and 34,000 years.
By comparing this DNA with fossils found in Germany and other regions, scientists concluded that Naumann’s elephant belonged to an ancient lineage. Contrary to earlier theories, it did not gradually evolve in Japan but descended directly from an early African group. One researcher described it as a “living fossil,” retaining primitive traits that had disappeared elsewhere. This discovery provides valuable insight into elephant evolution in East Asia.
Source: Yoimuri Shimbun (English)
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- What was the main achievement of the Japanese-led research team?
- How was Naumann’s elephant different in size from other Palaeoloxodon species?
- Why was mitochondrial DNA important for this study?
- What previous theory about Naumann’s elephant did the new findings challenge?
Summary
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- What do you think the term “living fossil” suggests about evolution?
- How might climate change in the past have influenced animal migration?
- Should more resources be spent on studying extinct species? Why or why not?
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