Ancient mitochondrial DNA extraction from Bison bison long bones from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, UNESCO World Heritage site

Researchers analyzing ancient mitochondrial DNA from bison long bones at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump uncovered novel haplotypes that suggest significant genetic diversity loss among American bison prior to European contact. The study, which sequenced the control region of mitochondrial DNA from 21 bison remains, also identified shared haplotypes between ancient and modern populations, offering new insights into the complex history of living bison herds. This genetic bottleneck, likely caused by 19th-century population decline, provides a rare glimpse into pre-contact bison genetics and their resilience or vulnerability to historical pressures.

Asis, R., Ngo, S., Chan, M., Bubel, S., & Burg, T. M. (2024). Ancient mitochondrial DNA extraction from Bison bison long bones from Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, UNESCO World Heritage site. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 59, 104791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104791