Cooper, A., Collins, M.J. orcid.org/0000-0003-4226-5501, Smith, C.I. et al. (3 more authors) (2001) Neanderthal DNA: not just old but old and cold? Nature. pp. 771-772. ISSN 0028-0836
Abstract
[First paragraph]The successful retrieval of ancient DNA from two geographically dispersed Neanderthal skeletons has fuelled a demand for more Neanderthal DNA sequences for analysis. However, these exceptionally well-preserved specimens were geologically young and the mean annual temperature of their cave sites low, so the survival of this ancient DNA could have been due to unusually favourable conditions. Here we calculate the thermal history of a range of Holocene and Pleistocene bones whose DNA quality has been tested and find that in only very few sites with Neanderthal remains is the preservation of DNA likely to match the quality of that from the skeleton found at Mezmaiskaya Cave. We recommend that any additional Neanderthal destined for destructive analysis should be carefully selected, taking into account its integrated thermal history.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2001 Macmillan Magazines Ltd |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Arts and Humanities (York) > Archaeology (York) |
Depositing User: | Matthew J. Collins |
Date Deposited: | 04 Dec 2005 |
Last Modified: | 16 Oct 2024 11:58 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1038/35071177 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1038/35071177 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:804 |