Appendix D Flashcards
Term
Definition
Ancient DNA (aDNA)
Genetic material extracted from ancient biological samples, such as bones or teeth, providing insights into evolutionary history beyond the fossil record.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
DNA located in the mitochondria; more abundant than nuclear DNA and often used in ancient DNA studies due to its higher copy number.
Nuclear DNA
DNA contained within the cell nucleus; provides comprehensive genetic information but is less abundant and more challenging to recover from ancient samples.
High-Coverage Sequence
A genome sequence obtained by sequencing the DNA multiple times to ensure accuracy and reduce errors.
Neanderthals
An extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago; their DNA has been sequenced to study human evolution.
Denisovans
An extinct species or subspecies of archaic humans identified primarily through DNA analysis of a finger bone and teeth found in Denisova Cave, Siberia.
Introgression
The incorporation of genetic material from one species into the gene pool of another through repeated backcrossing.
Contamination
The introduction of modern DNA into ancient samples, which can compromise the authenticity of ancient DNA analyses.
Endogenous DNA
The original DNA from the ancient organism being studied, as opposed to contaminant DNA from other sources.
Exogenous DNA
DNA originating from outside the ancient sample, including contaminants like microbial or modern human DNA.
Population Structure
The organization of genetic variation within and between populations, which can be studied through ancient DNA to understand past human migrations and interactions.
Clade
A group of organisms believed to comprise all the evolutionary descendants of a common ancestor.
Feldhofer Cave
The site in Germany where the first Neanderthal mtDNA was successfully sequenced in 1997.
Denisova Cave
A cave in Siberia where Denisovan remains were discovered, leading to the identification of a new group of archaic humans through DNA analysis.
Hybridization
The process of interbreeding between two different species or populations, resulting in offspring with mixed ancestry.
Sequencing
The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.
Genome
The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
Phylogenetics
The study of evolutionary relationships among biological species based on genetic information.
Paleogenomics
The study of genomes from ancient organisms, often using ancient DNA to reconstruct evolutionary histories.
Admixture
The mixing of genetic material from previously separate populations, often identified through ancient DNA studies.
