Ancient DNA research, scope and limitations: First genetic analysis in museum samples from San Julian, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Abstract

Thirty years ago the first ancient DNA studies have began. New methodologies have facilitated the task and ancient genomes can now be analyzed. The knowledge has accumulated in the field of the so-called paleogenetic that enable us to better understand the genetic relation between H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis. Archaeogenetic in American samples has confirmed the Asian origin of Native Americans, establishing five founder maternal lineages for North America (A, B, C, D and X). For South America, the first four lineages are present A, B, C and D. Analyses of samples from Argentina shows a particular distribution, high B haplogroup frequencies in North west, and decreasing presence A and B towards the South, with a concomitant increase of C and D haplogroups, which are the only described so far in Tierra del Fuego. The analysis of specimens from Rosa Novak Museum from San Julián, in Santa Cruz Province, also demonstrated C and D haplogroups in Southern Patagonia.