Extinct Cave Bear DNA Thrives in Modern Brown Bears: Unraveling Interbreeding and the Nature of Extinction

by Jasmine May 28, 2025

written by Jasmine May 28, 2025

Cave Bear DNA Lives On in Modern Brown Bears

Discovery of Interbreeding

A groundbreaking genetic study has uncovered a fascinating truth: the DNA of extinct cave bears persists in the genomes of modern brown bears. This discovery challenges traditional notions of species boundaries and raises intriguing questions about the nature of extinction.

Coexistence and Mating

Cave bears, known for their preference for cave habitats, resembled brown bears in appearance but were larger and herbivorous. Around 25,000 years ago, cave bears became extinct after a period of decline. However, their genetic legacy did not vanish with them.

Scientists led by Axel Barlow, a paleogeneticist at the University of Potsdam, discovered this interbreeding after comparing cave bear DNA extracted from ancient bones to a sequenced brown bear genome. Their unexpected finding revealed “a really quite obvious signal of hybridization,” indicating that the two species had mated with each other in the past.

Evidence of Hybridization

Further research confirmed this interbreeding. Cave bears contributed between 0.9 to 2.4 percent of the brown bear genomes analyzed, suggesting a substantial genetic exchange. Interestingly, the most recent exchange of genes occurred from cave bears to brown bears.

Implications for Species Definition

This study complicates our understanding of species. Traditionally, distinct species were viewed as animals that did not interbreed. However, this research demonstrates that interbreeding between different species can occur.

Extinction and Genetic Legacy

Despite being extinct for thousands of years, cave bear DNA continues to exist in modern bears. According to Barlow, “By any standard definition, [cave bears] are extinct.” However, he adds, “that doesn’t mean the animals are gone completely; their DNA lives on in the genomes of modern bears.”

Parallels with Hominin Interbreeding

This discovery parallels other findings of interbreeding among ancient hominins. Neanderthals and Denisovans, for instance, interbred with modern humans, leaving a genetic imprint on our species.

Intriguing Questions

The study raises intriguing questions about the meaning of extinction. While cave bears may no longer exist as a distinct species, their genetic legacy continues to shape the genomes of their modern counterparts. This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of life and the enduring impact of ancient events on present-day species.

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