aDNA in Historical Archaeology As A Tool For The Mitigation Of Climate Change Hazards

Summary

The study of aDNA has become a highly productive avenue of study in Archaeolgoy, though perhaps less so in Historical Archaeology. This paper discusses a project in which aDNA from historic sites is being used to address many important issues typically approached by Historical Archaeology. Yet this project goes further in two specific ways.  First this project intends to map and when possible isolate genetic variation that has been lost in modern day domesitc animals but that can still be found in the zooarchaeological record. This will help identify vulnerabilities in modern domestic populations. Second, where possible, and when beneficial, this project will supply genetic material that can be used to reintroduce traits into modern domestic animal populations that have been sourced from historical zooarchaeological collections. Identiifying traits that will assist in domestic animals' adaptation to changing climates is one of the highest priorities of this project. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Most Important Contribution Historical Archaeology Can Make to the Situation of Climate Change   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 663