Ancient DNA of the Pacific rat ( Rattus exulans) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

We report analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA sequences from nine archaeological specimens (8 femura and 1 incissor) of Rattus exulans excavated from Anakena Beach Dune on Rapa Nui. Sequence of a 239-base-pair fragment of the hypervariable mitochondrial control region reveals a single mitochondria...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of archaeological science 2006-11, Vol.33 (11), p.1536-1540
Main Authors: Barnes, S.S., Matisoo-Smith, E., Hunt, T.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ancient DNA
Bibliography
Generalities
Island colonization
Organisation and history of research
Polynesia
Prehistory and protohistory
Rapa Nui
Rattus exulans
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Summary:We report analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA sequences from nine archaeological specimens (8 femura and 1 incissor) of Rattus exulans excavated from Anakena Beach Dune on Rapa Nui. Sequence of a 239-base-pair fragment of the hypervariable mitochondrial control region reveals a single mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of all samples corresponding to the R9 haplotype prevalent in East Polynesia. This suggests a single or very limited introduction of Rattus exulans to the island. Rapa Nui, like other remote islands of Polynesia, remained effectively isolated following colonization.
ISSN:0305-4403
1095-9238
DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2006.02.006