A molecular analysis of dietary diversity for three archaic Native Americans
Here we report the DNA anlysis of three 2,000 year old Native American paleofecal samples from Hinds Cave, Texas. Analysis shows that these individuals consumed 2-4 different animal species and 4-8 plant species during a short time period. Furthermore, this work highlights paleofecal remains as an important source of ancient DNA.
Apr 01, 2001
Authors: H.N. Poinar, M. Kuch, K.D. Sobolik, I. Barnes, A.B. Stankiewiczi, T. Kuder, W. G. Spaulding, V.M. Bryant, A. Cooper and S. Pääbo
PNAS, Vol.98, Issue 8, April 2001, pp. 4317–4322. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.061014798
Abstract
DNA was extracted from three fecal samples, more than 2,000 years old, from Hinds Cave, Texas. Amplification of human mtDNA sequences showed their affiliation with contemporary Native Americans, while sequences from pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and cottontail rabbit allowed these animals to be identified as part of the diet of these individuals. Furthermore, amplification of chloroplast DNA sequences identified eight different plants as dietary elements. These archaic humans consumed 2–4 different animal species and 4–8 different plant species during a short time period. The success rate for retrieval of DNA from paleofeces is in strong contrast to that from skeletal remains where the success rate is generally low. Thus, human paleofecal remains represent a source of ancient DNA that significantly complements and may in some cases be superior to that from skeletal tissue.