Ancient DNA of the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) |
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| Authors: | S.S. Barnes E. Matisoo-Smith T.L. Hunt |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Anthropology, University of Hawaii, Anthropology Department, 2424 Maile Way, Saunders Hall 346, Honolulu, HI 96822-2223, United States;2. Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | Ancient DNA Island colonization Polynesia Rapa Nui Rattus exulans |
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