Scientists Sequence Oldest Protein from 20-Million-Year-Old Rhino Tooth

Quick Summary

• Scientists have recovered a protein sequence from a 20-million-year-old rhino tooth, marking the oldest protein ever sequenced.
• The finding provides insights into rhino evolution, aiding conservation efforts for endangered species today.
• Research showed that two subfamilies of rhinos-Elasmotheriinae and Rhinocerotinae-diverged more recently than previously thought using bone analysis alone.
• The study utilized chiral amino acid analysis to reconstruct data and trace evolutionary changes back to Middle Eocene-Oligocene (41 to 25 million years ago).
• Remarkable preservation of the fossil in Haughton Crater, Canadian High Arctic-a permafrost-enriched environment-was key to this breakthrough.
• Research suggests that such sites could be critical for uncovering ancient biomolecules and enhancing paleontological exploration.

Image Credit: University of York
Ancient Rhino Tooth

Indian Opinion Analysis

The sequencing of proteins from a 20-million-year-old rhino tooth represents exceptional progress in evolutionary biology. For India, home to the one-horned rhino-a critically vulnerable species-the study offers hope by highlighting how understanding ancient genetics can influence current conservation strategies. It underscores India’s potential contributions through genomics research or partnerships with international institutions focused on wildlife preservation.

By broadening fieldwork locations across varied geographies like these scientists did, India’s paleontological initiatives might uncover valuable data about its prehistoric biodiversity. This breakthrough also prompts reflections on India’s commitment toward sustainable ecosystems amidst growing threats-from climate change to habitat loss.Read More: Northern White Rhino Genome Could Help Save the species from Extinction