Open AccessAncient DNA: a review of its past, present and future potential in archaeology
Author(s) -
Linda M. Gibbs
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of anthropology at mcmaster
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0707-3771
DOI - 10.15173/nexus.v11i1.137
Subject(s) - ancient dna , archaeology , prehistory , dna , nucleic acid , history , geography , biology , genetics , sociology , population , demography
This paper provides an extensive review of past and current research involving the biomolecular analysis of nucleic acids. In particular, it focuses on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ancient DNA that can be recovered from historic and prehistoric human skeletal remains and other archaeological material remains. It also critically assesses the problems that any investigation of ancient DNA poses and points to specific areas for future investigation.