Strange traces of DNA found on Everest

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Biologists discover DNA on Everest that shouldn't be there
12:30, 21.08.2022

The highest peak of the planet Everest reaches 8848 meters.



Biologists have studied the biodiversity of the highest mountain on our planet - Everest. And although their curiosity was limited to a height of 4.5-5.5 kilometers, they said that the mountain was already able to present several mysteries at this level,writes EurekAlert.

During the study, experts, having climbed to the middle of the mountain, took water samples in the ponds and streams that flow there in order to find traces of the DNA of different organisms and find out who actually lives there. As a result, scientists came across samples that should not have been there.

In total, scientists studied 20 liters of water. It was there that they looked for traces of local inhabitants. As a result, biologists identified organisms from 187 taxonomic orders - this is 16% of the total number of known orders on the earth's tree of life. Among other things, they came across traces of rotifers and tardigrades, tiny animals that can survive in the most extreme conditions. They also recognized the DNA of the Tibetan Snowcock. However, a surprise awaited them.

Scientists have found DNA that simply cannot be there - a dog and a domestic chicken, the article says.

Scientists have suggested that the point is not that these species of living beings were able to climb so high, but in another - the impact of human activities on the environment.

Note, Everest , also known as Chomolungma, is the highest point on our planet. This is a hard-to-reach peak, but one that attracts thousands of tourists. Many dream of climbing to its top in order to declare to the world about their victory over the mountain and over themselves.

This is a dangerous mountain. The mortality rate among its conquerors is 3.05%. In total, a little more than 300 people died while climbing or descending the mountain.

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Elena Rasenko

Elena Rasenko writes about science, healthy living and psychology news, and shares her work-life balance tips and tricks.