A genetic mystery in white sharks (formerly great white sharks) has stumped scientists for over 20 years. Between three major populations of the sharks, differences in mitochondrial DNA have raised eyebrows. While migration patterns initially emerged as a suitable answer, a new study has overturned this common theory.
The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has revealed that this long-running mystery originated following the end of the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Over time, one population of white sharks split into three distinct populations that each displayed genetic variation. Multiple theories to explain the DNA differences have missed the mark so far, yet scientists aren’t finished looking for answers.
Before the end of the last glacial period 10,000 years ago, white sharks lived in a single population in the Indo-Pacific Ocean due to low sea levels. However, when Earth began to warm up again, they ...
