Summary
Sequencing of DNA from fossils and remains to reconstruct population history, such as Neanderthal admixture.
In depth
DNA degrades, but short fragments survive in cold, dry places for up to hundreds of thousands of years (a 2 million-year-old Greenland sample is the oldest so far). Contamination control is essential. Svante Pääbo won the 2022 Nobel Prize for sequencing Neanderthal DNA.
The field began with a quagga sequence (1984) and expanded after next-generation sequencing. Svante Paabo received the 2022 Nobel Prize for sequencing the Neanderthal genome and discovering Denisovans from a finger bone. Methods include clean rooms, damage patterns (deamination of cytosine at fragment ends) to authenticate samples, and capture of targeted regions.
Findings include human migrations and mixing in Europe (Yamnaya steppe pastoralists about 5000 years ago), selection for lactase persistence in the last few thousand years, the genomes of mammoths and cave bears, and plague bacteria (Yersinia pestis) from the Black Death victims and from 5000 year old bodies. Sediment DNA detects species without bones.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ancient DNA?
Sequencing of DNA from fossils and remains to reconstruct population history, such as Neanderthal admixture.
Which area of biology covers Ancient DNA, and how advanced is it?
Ancient DNA is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Fossils, Punctuated Equilibrium, Human Evolution.
Why does Ancient DNA matter?
Ancient DNA gives direct snapshots of the past genetic variation, rather than relying on inference from modern samples.
Can you give an example of Ancient DNA?
Ancient genomes revealed Denisovans from a finger bone.
What should I learn before Ancient DNA?
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Ancient DNA. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Ancient DNA?
The closest topics to Ancient DNA are Fossils, Punctuated Equilibrium, Human Evolution, Molecular Clock. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ancient DNA?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ancient DNA. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
How is Ancient DNA different from Fossils?
Ancient DNA: Sequencing of DNA from fossils and remains to reconstruct population history, such as Neanderthal admixture. Fossils: Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms that record the history of life. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ancient DNA step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fossils and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.