B) Analyzing ancient DNA from fossilized bones

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:51:19 +0000

# B) Analyzing Ancient DNA from Fossilized Bones: Unlocking the Secrets of the Past In the field of archaeology, paleontology, and molecular biology, the analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) from fossilized bones has revolutionized our understanding of life in antiquity. By extracting and sequencing genetic material preserved in human and animal remains millions of years old, scientists are uncovering previously hidden stories about evolution, migration, disease, and extinction. This powerful tool enables researchers to reconstruct evolutionary histories, track ancient populations, and even shed light on the origins of modern species—including our own. ## What Is Ancient DNA? Ancient DNA refers to genetic material recovered from the remains of organisms that lived in the past, typically preserved in fossilized bones, teeth, hair, or even permafrost samples. Unlike modern DNA, ancient DNA is highly fragmented and often contaminated with microbial DNA or modern human residues. Despite these challenges, advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have made it possible to reconstruct authentic genomes from millennia-old specimens.