Paleogenomics

Paleogenomics is a field of science based on the reconstruction and analysis of genomic information in extinct species.

• Improved methods for the extraction of ancient DNA (aDNA) from museum artifacts, ice cores, archeological or paleontological sites, and next-generation sequencing technologies have spurred this field.
• It is now possible to detect genetic drift, ancient population migration and interrelationships, the evolutionary history of extinct plant, animal and Homo species, and identification of phenotypic features across geographic regions.
• Scientists can also use paleogenomics to compare ancient ancestors against modern-day humans.
• The rising importance of paleogenomics is evident from the fact that ....