The team thought that the genetic diversity of the Wrangel Island mammoth population had probably declined over time. If it had, they suspected that the lack of diversity had contributed to the animals' extinction.
(In your own words, why is this important, how does it support your claim??)
This is important because genetic diversity allows a population to adapt to changes in their environment and increases their chances of survival. A decline in genetic diversity means that there is a decrease in the variety of genetic information within the population, which can make them more susceptible to diseases, environmental stressors, and other challenges. Therefore, if the genetic diversity of the Wrangel Island mammoth population had indeed declined over time, it could have weakened their ability to adapt and survive, ultimately contributing to their extinction.
