image: These are unidentifiable bone fragments from Wairau Bar. view more
Credit: PNAS
A study reports a DNA survey of ancient animal remains from New Zealand. Researchers have put forth numerous theories regarding the impact of human arrival on biodiversity. Studies of New Zealand, the last major landmass to be settled by humans, may help shed light on early human-faunal interactions. Frederik Seersholm and colleagues analyzed ancient DNA from more than 5,000 bone fragments representing 38 paleontological and archaeological bone assemblages throughout New Zealand. The authors identified 110 different species, including birds, fish, marine mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Five different whale species were identified in archaeological sites: orca, dolphins, Cuvier's beaked whale, fin whale, and southern right whale. Except for the southern right whale, these species had not been previously identified in an archaeological context. The authors also identified 10 different genetic lineages of the kakapo, a flightless parrot. Only two of these lineages had been previously identified in samples from the mid-19th century onward, suggesting that indigenous human activities may have reduced kakapo genetic diversity prior to European arrival. DNA from the extinct Markham's frog suggested that this frog species was once widespread and helped establish its relationship to extant frogs. According to the authors, the findings provide insight into the impact of human arrival on New Zealand biodiversity and highlight the value of ancient DNA analysis of bone assemblages.
Article #18-03573: "Subsistence practices, past biodiversity, and anthropogenic impacts revealed by New Zealand-wide ancient DNA survey," by Frederik V. Seersholm et al.
MEDIA CONTACT: Frederik V. Seersholm, Curtin University, Bentley, AUSTRALIA; e-mail: <frederikseersholm@gmail.com>
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