DNA Analysis of Chicken Bones Reveals Secrets of Pacific Migration

First Posted: Mar 19, 2014 07:09 AM EDT
Close

A new DNA sequencing of ancient chicken bones offers clues on the origin and dispersal of ancestral Polynesian chicken suggesting Columbus beat Polynesians to South America.

Several theories discuss the origins of ancient human colonists of the remote Pacific, the routes they followed and whether or not they reached the South American mainland. As these early humans wandered, they took along with them domesticated animals like chicken. These animals carry traces of genetic records that help detangle the mystery surrounding these ancient people.

The study, led by researcher at the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, analysed the ancient DNA from chicken bones that were unearthed from islands including Hawaii, Rapa Nui and Niue, during archaeological digs. This analysis offered clues on the origin and spread of the ancestral Polynesian chickens.

The latest study refutes the previous research that claims contact between Polynesians and South America. The study rather identified and traced a unique genetic marker of the original Polynesian chicken that was found only in the Pacific and Island Southeast Asia.

They identified genetic signature of the original Polynesian chickens. Researchers traced the origin of these chickens and found that the lineage is from Philippines, clearly hinting at the source of original Polynesian chicken population.

"We were able to re-examine bones used in previous studies that had linked ancient Pacific and South American chickens, suggesting early human contact, and found that some of the results were contaminated with modern chicken DNA, which occurs at trace levels in many laboratory components. We were able to show that the ancient chicken DNA provided no evidence of any pre-Columbian contact between these areas," Project leader Professor Alan Cooper, Director of ACAD said in a news release.

This study reveals that the original Polynesians chicken lineage managed to survive on a few isolated Pacific islands despite the arrival of European domestic animals across the Pacific in the previous years.

The researchers believe that this finding is important to the poultry industry that remains concerned over the lack of genetic diversity in commercial stocks.

The finding was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone

©2017 ScienceWorldReport.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The window to the world of science news.

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics