Woolly mammoths became extinct around 10,000 million years ago. A recent study conducted by scientists found that the last generations of woolly mammoths were plagued by harmful gene mutations. Some of the mutations caused them to have softer fur that didn’t protect them from the cold, a diminished sense of smell, and digestive problems. A species potential for evolution is based on four factors:
1. the potential for a species to increase in number
2. the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction
3. organisms competing for limited resources such as food or water in their environment
4. the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment
In two to three paragraphs, explain why the last generations of woolly mammoths couldn’t meet these factors to evolve in a changing environment. Also explain how data such as the fossil record and DNA evidence can identify the factors that can lead to the evolution of a species.