How DNA Testing Helps In Archaeology

Through archaeology, scientist attempt to form an idea of how a past culture or civilization may have lived, by examining what remains they left behind. With the advances in DNA research and testing, it has been found that our ancestors may have left more than just pottery behind. For the past few years, scientists have been performing DNA testing on the remains of humans, plants, and animals. These tests have produced valuable information about the human’s physical characteristics, as well as their pets or livestock, and the foods that they consumed.

Virtually a wealth of knowledge has been gathered from testing the DNA of artifacts. DNA testing has enabled scientists to sketch out the pattern of human migration routes throughout the ages. It has helped to determine the origination of different species of animals and has made it possible to track the course of food around the globe. This has all been performed by collecting and testing minuscule remains of DNA found from various locations. Bones and teeth are one of the best places to obtain samples; however DNA samples can also be obtained from plants and animals.

DNA testing archaeological items can be very complex. Since the samples are not obtained from conscious volunteers, scientists have to depend on microscopic fragments of DNA that they have been fortunate enough to find. However, there is still the issue of removing it without damaging it further. Once it has been extracted, scientists will run it through an analysis called “Polymerase Chain Reaction,” or PCR. This test to analyze fragmented and damaged pieces of genetic code was developed in the 1980s. This test has made archaeologists jobs easier because they seldom are lucky enough to find a complete specimen.

Not everyone is a fan of testing ancient human remains. There was a famous court case in the United States where a skeleton dating between 5,000 – 9,000 years was discovered in Washington. The unusual so-called “Caucasian” features of this skeleton threatened to disturb the foundations of previous research. Previously our knowledge of the history of North America was founded on the theory of a migration of people from Asia over the Bering Land Bridge. The issue became public after Native American groups jousted with the government and scientist over the rights to the remains. It was eventually agreed that the Kennewick Man’s remains would submit to a DNA test. However, the tests results were inconclusive, a reminder of the difficulty of this procedure.

The science of archaeology dates back many years, however the use of DNA testing in this field is still relatively new. It tends to be very unforgiving, dealing much frustration to those who attempt it. With any luck, it can give our scientists a look at the past.