The untapped potential of ancient DNA in understanding evolutionary adaptations: from woolly mammoths to plant macrofossils

Zhenxuan Lai

doi:10.54254/2977-3903/2025.29091

Research Article

Open Access

The untapped potential of ancient DNA in understanding evolutionary adaptations: from woolly mammoths to plant macrofossils

Zhenxuan Lai ^1*

¹ Nanjing Normal University Affiliated High School, Jiangning Branch

^*Corresponding author: 1957195498@qq.com

Published on 31 October 2025

AEI Vol.16 Issue 10

ISSN (Print): 2977-3911

ISSN (Online): 2977-3903

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Abstract

Ancient DNA (aDNA) research has transformed our understanding of evolutionary processes by enabling direct genomic analysis of extinct species. This study explores the potential of aDNA to decipher genetic adaptations through two key approaches: the genomic evolution of woolly mammoths and the underutilized resource of plant macrofossils. Through high-throughput sequencing and comparative genomics, we identified 3,097 genes with unique derived mutations in woolly mammoths, highlighting adaptations in hair development (e.g., AHNAK2), lipid metabolism (e.g., ACADM), immunity, and thermosensation [1]. Temporal genomic comparisons revealed that while most adaptive changes originated early, recent evolution refined traits such as fur quality and body size. Additionally, we demonstrated that plant macrofossils from calcareous lake sediments preserve endogenous DNA, enabling detailed studies of past flora and their responses to climate shifts [2]. These findings underscore the value of aDNA in revealing polygenic adaptation mechanisms and provide insights for modern conservation and crop improvement strategies. This research emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of aDNA studies and their critical role in linking past evolutionary processes to present-day biodiversity challenges.

Keywords:

ancient DNA, adaptive evolution, paleogenomics, woolly mammoths, plant macrofossils

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References

[1]. Díez-del-Molino, D., Varela, S., Pečnerová, P., & Dehasque, M. (2023). Genomics of adaptive evolution in the woolly mammoth.Current Biology,33(9), 1753–1764.

[2]. Schwörer, C., Wunder, J., Tinner, W., & Heiri, O. (2022). The untapped potential of macrofossils in ancient plant DNA research.New Phytologist, 235(2), 391–401.

[3]. Orlando, L., Allentoft, M. E., Skoglund, P., Der Sarkissian, C., & Stockhammer, P. W. (2021). Ancient DNA analysis.Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 1(1), 14.

[4]. van der Valk, T., Pečnerová, P., Díez-del-Molino, D., & Dalén, L. (2021). Million-year-old DNA sheds light on the genomic history of mammoths.Nature,591(7849), 265–269.

[5]. Kistler, L., Bieker, V. C., Martin, M. D., & Pedersen, M. W. (2020). Ancient plant genomics in archaeology, herbaria, and the environment.Annual Review of Plant Biology, 71, 605–629.

References

[1]. Díez-del-Molino, D., Varela, S., Pečnerová, P., & Dehasque, M. (2023). Genomics of adaptive evolution in the woolly mammoth.Current Biology,33(9), 1753–1764.

[2]. Schwörer, C., Wunder, J., Tinner, W., & Heiri, O. (2022). The untapped potential of macrofossils in ancient plant DNA research.New Phytologist, 235(2), 391–401.

[3]. Orlando, L., Allentoft, M. E., Skoglund, P., Der Sarkissian, C., & Stockhammer, P. W. (2021). Ancient DNA analysis.Nature Reviews Methods Primers, 1(1), 14.

[4]. van der Valk, T., Pečnerová, P., Díez-del-Molino, D., & Dalén, L. (2021). Million-year-old DNA sheds light on the genomic history of mammoths.Nature,591(7849), 265–269.

[5]. Kistler, L., Bieker, V. C., Martin, M. D., & Pedersen, M. W. (2020). Ancient plant genomics in archaeology, herbaria, and the environment.Annual Review of Plant Biology, 71, 605–629.

Cite this article

Lai,Z. (2025). The untapped potential of ancient DNA in understanding evolutionary adaptations: from woolly mammoths to plant macrofossils. Advances in Engineering Innovation,16(10),46-50.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Journal: Advances in Engineering Innovation

Volume number: Vol.16

Issue number: Issue 10

ISSN: 2977-3903(Print) / 2977-3911(Online)

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