Ancient Genomics The study of the genomes of our ancestors, ancient animals and microorganisms

We are interested in:

• How ancient populations lived
• Where they lived
• How they are different to us!
• Confirming archeological studies using genetic data

What do we look at?

• Compare genotypes of ancient individuals

• Compare ancient genotypes to modern ones

• Trace changes of genotypes across time

Neanderthals

• Our ancient cousins
• Lived mainly in Europe
• Confirmed to be very related to us using DNA
• Became extinct 40000 years ago
• Our DNA is 3% Neanderthal

Densiovans

• Unknown to have existed until 2010
• Found in mountains in Russia
• Sequenced DNA from a finger bone
• Not human, not neanderthal…. –> DENISOVAN
• Most of what we know is from Genomics NOT Archeology/History

Some gene variants that help us survive are from our ancient cousins!

• EPAS1
• Allows us to adapt to high altitudes
• Special variant in Tibetans
• Originally from Denisovans

Variant from Neanderthals increases Vitamin D production

• Variant seen in European populations
• Vitamin D produced when it’s sunny
• This variant allows Vitamin D to be produced in people in countries with little sunlight!!!

Ancient DNA and Europe

• The DNA of European people is a mixture of ancient populations!
• First people from Africa moved into Europe
• Then people from Turkey moved into Europe bringing farming
• Finally Western Asians moved west to Europe
• Europe is a mix of all this DNA!!

---