A recent study has unveiled mummified mice inhabiting the lofty Andean volcanoes, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability of mammals in extreme, Mars-like conditions. This remarkable discovery challenges our understanding of the physiological limits of vertebrate life and spurs further investigation into the mechanisms enabling these mice to survive.
The desolate, windswept summits of the Puna de Atacama volcanoes, spanning Chile and Argentina, bear a striking resemblance to the Martian landscape, characterized by a thin atmosphere and icy temperatures. Positioned at astonishing altitudes surpassing 6,000 meters, these peaks were previously believed to be inhospitable to mammals. However, a recent study published in the journal Current Biology has presented a groundbreaking revelation: mummified mice discovered in these harsh environments, expanding our knowledge of vertebrate survival on Earth.
Senior author Jay Storz, a biologist at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, remarked, “The most astonishing aspect of our discovery is the presence of mammals living on the summits of volcanoes in such an unforgiving, Mars-like environment. Skilled mountaineers can endure such extreme elevations during a one-day ascent, but the fact that mice are actually thriving at these heights demonstrates that we have underestimated the physiological resilience of small mammals.”
Storz and his team stumbled upon the first mouse mummy on the summit of Volcán Salín by chance, discovering the desiccated remains at the edge of a rock pile. Equipped with newfound knowledge, they subsequently uncovered additional specimens.
“After initiating a systematic search among the rocks, my climbing partner and I located seven more mummies on the same summit,” Storz recounted.
Their systematic search extended to the summits of numerous Andean volcanoes, encompassing 21 volcanic summits, including 18 exceeding 6,000 meters in elevation. In total, they discovered 13 mummified mice on the summits of various volcanoes with altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters. In some instances, the mummies were accompanied by skeletal remains of numerous other mice.
Radiocarbon dating revealed that the mummified mice found on the summits of two volcanoes were no more than a few decades old. Those from a third site dated back further, with an estimated age of up to 350 years. Genetic analysis of these summit mummies identified them as a species of leaf-eared mouse known as Phyllotis vaccarum, typically found at lower elevations in the region.
“The discovery of mouse mummies on the summits of these freezing, wind-swept volcano peaks was a profound surprise,” Storz emphasized. “In conjunction with our live-capture records of mice on the summits and slopes of other high-elevation Andean volcanoes, we are accumulating mounting evidence of enduring mouse populations inhabiting extreme elevations.”
This revelation poses important questions, including how mammals can endure in a barren realm of rocks, ice, and perpetual sub-freezing temperatures, with roughly half the oxygen levels found at sea level. It remains unclear why the mice would ascend to such heights. Although the Incas conducted human and animal sacrifices on the summits of certain Andean peaks over 500 years ago, the researchers discount the possibility that the mummified mice were transported there by the Incas, as none of them are old enough to have coexisted with this civilization.
In ongoing research, the team is investigating whether high-altitude mice possess unique physiological adaptations that enable them to thrive in low-oxygen conditions. They are conducting physiological experiments on captive mice collected from high elevations to gain further insights. Additionally, their mountaineering surveys of small mammals on high Andean peaks in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile continue.
“Through our mountaineering biological surveys in the Andes, we continue to unveil surprising discoveries about the ecology of extreme high-elevation environments,” Storz concluded.
Reference: “Genomic insights into the mystery of mouse mummies on the summits of Atacama volcanoes” by Jay F. Storz, Schuyler Liphardt, Marcial Quiroga-Carmona, Naim M. Bautista, Juan C. Opazo, Timothy B. Wheeler, Guillermo D’Elía and Jeffrey M. Good, 23 October 2023, Current Biology.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.081
This research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Geographic Society, and FONDECYT.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Extreme Mammalian Survival
Q: How were the mummified mice discovered on Andean volcanoes?
A: The mice were discovered by a research team led by biologist Jay Storz on the summit of Volcán Salín, initially by chance, and later through systematic searches on multiple Andean volcano summits.
Q: What species of mice were found in these extreme environments?
A: The mummified mice were identified as a species of leaf-eared mouse called Phyllotis vaccarum, which is typically found at lower elevations in the region.
Q: What is the significance of this discovery?
A: This discovery challenges our understanding of vertebrate survival limits, as it demonstrates that mammals can thrive in Mars-like conditions at extreme elevations, expanding our knowledge of ecological adaptations.
Q: How old were the mummified mice found?
A: Radiocarbon dating revealed that some of the mice were a few decades old, while others dated back to an estimated 350 years at most.
Q: Are there any ongoing investigations related to this discovery?
A: Yes, the research team is conducting experiments on captive high-altitude mice to understand their physiological adaptations for survival in low-oxygen conditions. They are also continuing mountaineering surveys in the Andes to uncover more about high-elevation ecosystems.
Q: Could the mice have been placed on the volcanoes by ancient civilizations like the Incas?
A: It is unlikely, as the age of the mummified mice does not align with the timeline of the Inca civilization’s existence, ruling out the possibility of human involvement in their placement.
More about Extreme Mammalian Survival
- Current Biology Journal Article
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln – Jay Storz’s Research
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- Geographic Society
- FONDECYT (National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development)
5 comments
Finance and mice? Bet theres a way to cash in on this discovery! _xD83E__xDD11__xD83D__xDCC8_
wow, this discovery sooo cool, mice on volcanoes, whodathunkit?! _xD83D__xDE32_
Nature’s adaptabillity nevr ceases to amaze, mice rly r tough lil creatures! _xD83D__xDC2D__xD83D__xDCAA_
Wht a crazy place for mice to live, wonder if it tells us anything bout politics up there? _xD83E__xDD14_
Even cars cant survive volcanoes, but mice can? Nature’s mysteries! _xD83D__xDE97__xD83C__xDF0B__xD83D__xDC01_