The use of ancient DNA in paleontological studies

Citation
Lm. Kelman et Z. Kelman, The use of ancient DNA in paleontological studies, J VERTEBR P, 19(1), 1999, pp. 8-20
Citations number
147
Categorie Soggetti
Earth Sciences
Journal title
JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
ISSN journal
02724634 → ACNP
Volume
19
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
8 - 20
Database
ISI
SICI code
0272-4634(19990315)19:1<8:TUOADI>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
In the past several years the analysis of ancient DNA has become widely use d in paleontology and archeology. DNA has been reported to have been isolat ed from a variety of organisms up to a hundred million years old. The analy sis of these DNA molecules has been used to draw conclusions about phylogen etic relationships, migration of populations, and the emergence of pathogen s. It has become apparent, however, that many experimental artifacts are as sociated with the study of ancient DNA and in several cases the DNA purport ed to have been of ancient origin has been shown to be due to contamination . This review will summarize the sources of ancient DNA, the information co ntained within it, the methods of analysis, and the limitations of these te chniques.