Ancient DNA reveals differences in behaviour and sociality between brown bears and extinct cave bears

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.13800
• Publication Date: 2016-08-10T07:35:54Z
• Authors: Gloria G. Fortes; Aurora Grandal‐d'...; Ben Kolbe; Daniel Fernandes; Ioana N. Meleg; Ana García‐Vázquez; Ana C. Pinto‐Llona; Silviu Constantin; Trino J. de Torres; Jose E. Ortiz; Christine Frischauf; Gernot Rabeder; Michael Hofreiter; Axel Barlow
• Keywords: Sociality; Ancient DNA; Lineage (genetic); Hibernation

Abstract Ancient DNA studies have revolutionized the study of extinct species and populations, providing insights on phylogeny, phylogeography, admixture demographic history. However, inferences behaviour sociality been far less frequent. Here, we investigate complete mitochondrial genomes Late Pleistocene cave bears middle Holocene brown that each inhabited multiple geographically proximate caves in northern Spain. In bears, find that, although most were occupied simultaneously, almost exclusively contains a unique lineage closely related haplotypes. This remarkable pattern suggests extreme fidelity to their birth site best described as homing behaviour, formed stable maternal social groups at least for hibernation. contrast, do not show any strong association cave, suggesting these two differed aspects sociality. difference is likely contributed bear extinction, which occurred time competition between humans was intense ability rapidly colonize new hibernation sites would crucial survival so dependent bears. Our demonstrates potential ancient uncover patterns even those went many tens thousands years ago.