Sydney, April 8 (IANS) Global warming might have wiped out ancient species like mammoths and bison, warning us about the potential impact of climate change. Study of ancient DNA indicates that extinction of such species from the northern hemisphere 11,000 years ago was largely due to climate change. Human impact through hunting and overkill were only incidental, said lead researcher Alan Cooper.

He retrieved remains of genetic material from a variety of sources, including bones and teeth, preserved seeds and sediments, to examine evolution and environmental change, reports Sciencedaily.

Cooper presented these findings at the University of Adelaide Tuesday.