Paleogenomics

Paleogenomics reconstructs and analyzes genomes from ancient organisms using DNA recovered from archaeological, fossil, or other historical remains.

Ancient DNA: DNA recovered from organisms that died in the past, often fragmented and chemically damaged. Paleogenomics begins with this degraded genetic material rather than intact modern genomes.
Human population genetics: The study of genetic variation within and between human populations. Paleogenomics extends population genetics into periods before living populations can be sampled.
Genome: The complete set of genetic material in an organism or cell. A genome is the full-scale object paleogenomics seeks to reconstruct from ancient fragments.
Population genomics: The study of genome-wide variation among individuals and populations, usually using contemporary samples. It often asks similar ancestry questions but typically lacks paleogenomics’ ancient samples.
DNA extraction: The laboratory process of separating DNA from cells or other biological material. Extraction isolates ancient genetic molecules from bone, teeth, sediments, or other remains.
Neanderthal genome project: The research effort that reconstructed and analyzed the Neanderthal genome from ancient remains. It demonstrated that genome-scale analysis of extinct human relatives was possible.
DNA: The molecule that stores hereditary information in most organisms. Its chemical structure and inheritance make ancient genetic reconstruction possible.
Paleontology: The study of ancient life through fossils and other evidence of past organisms. Paleontology usually infers biology from physical remains, while paleogenomics adds genetic evidence.
Library preparation: The conversion of DNA fragments into molecules compatible with sequencing. Ancient fragments are prepared for sequencing while minimizing loss and contamination.
Denisovan: An extinct archaic human population known chiefly from genetic evidence and a small number of fossils. Ancient genomic data revealed this human group before its fossil record was well understood.

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