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Anthropology/DNA testing of homo remains
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Question
John, when the Homo floresiensis remains were discovered on Flores in an un-fossilised state it was supposed DNA might be recoverable. Do you happen to know whether DNA was ever extracted from the remains - or if it is still intended to try to do so?
Thanks
Tony
Dear Tony
I have neither heard nor read anything about this, though I am confident someone will try to recover DNA from these fossils. I am not optimistic about their chances for success. Wet tropical environments tend not to be very good ones for preserving DNA over long time periods. There are also many political problems over access to and control over these fossils.
Cheers,
John Shea
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks John - a bit disappointing the ultimate imformation - what exactly these creatures were and where they fit in the scheme of things - has not been delved for. | ||
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John Shea
Expertise
Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (especially Stone Age) of Europe, Africa, and Western Asia, prehistoric human and hominid behavior, primitive technology, origin of modern humans, extinction of the Neandertals.
Experience
>20 years as a professional anthropologist based at a research university.
Publications
Journal of Field Archaeology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Lithic Technology, Evolutionary Anthropology, Current Anthropology, Mitekufat HaEven (Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society), Paléorient, Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, American Anthropologist, Geoarchaeology.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D (Anthropology) Harvard University, 1991.
BA (Archaeology) Boston University, 1982.
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