The new, more accurate set of data strongly suggested that cave bears disappeared about 27,800 years ago from the Alps and adjacent areas -- the only region with solid data available. That's 13 millennia earlier than long-held estimates. But why did cave bears go extinct while their brown bear cousins managed to survive? A specialized lifestyle probably had a lot to do with it, Pacher suspects. Cave bears ate primarily plants, and vegetation -- and vegetarians -- would have suffered when the region started to freeze. Brown bears, on the other hand, were far more omnivorous and able to adapt to climate change. These insights might help scientists predict how today's large animals will respond to similar changes in the future. Still, many questions remain. It's possible, for example, that cave bears found refuge in other areas for a long time after they disappeared from the Alps. "This paper is a starting point in order to elucidate many of the still open questions on the paleobiology of the cave bears," said Grandal D'Anglade. "When dealing with extinct species, debate is always open." Related Links: Get More NewsMouse Cloned From Long-Frozen CellResearchers create a mouse from a long-frozen cell. Will the mammoth be next?'Bubble' Could Protect AstronautsScientists say a "bubble" around a Mars-bound spaceship could protect astronauts.Big Reduction of Snowmobiles in Yellowstone ProposedA new plan would cut snowmobile use by 40 percent in Yellowstone.Microbes: Fuel of the Future?A reddish South American microbe is literally breathing fuel, say scientists.DNA Links Remains to Steve FossetDNA tests on two bones found in California confirm they are those of Steve Fossett.Women Carry More Bacteria Than MenSome bacteria prefer women, suggests a new study. But why?Ancient 'Water Monster' Facing ExtinctionA foot-long salamander that was a key part of Aztec legend is threatened by extinction.Grand Canyon's Youth ConfirmedThe Grand Canyon is millions of years younger than previously thought, argue geologists.My Take: E-Voting Not User FriendlyOpinion: Electronic voting machines don't always capture the intent of voters.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.At 40, Brain and Body SlowThe part of the brain in charge of motion starts a gradual slide in middle age.Spiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates. |
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