Ancient DNA as a Tool for Navigating the Anthropocene. (10th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hambrecht, George
• Is Part Of: Culture, agriculture, food and environment. Volume 39:Number 2(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 109
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2017-12-10
• Subjects: ancient DNA (aDNA) -- archeology -- zooarcheology -- anthropocene -- climate change—adaptation and mitigation; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.34905
• DOI: 10.1111/cuag.12098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2153-9553

Abstract

Abstract: Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis has led to significant breakthroughs in our understanding of the origin of our own species as well as that of many commensal and wild species. New approaches in aDNA research promise to make it a major tool for adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of the rapidly changing climates of the Anthropocene. This article reviews a number of these new lines of research and their current and potential future contributions to responding to climate change, particularly in two areas: the generation of deeper baseline data on ecological and environmental change, and the tracking and recovery of lost genetic diversity to strengthen the resilience of living species. The article argues that aDNA analysis is creating a powerful new pathway for archeology to engage with the challenges of the Anthropocene.