Ancient DNA of northern China Hystricidae sub-fossils reveals the evolutionary history of old world porcupines in the Late Pleistocene

A Late Pleistocene extirpation event in Old World porcupines (Family: Hystricidae) is revealed through ancient DNA analysis of sub-fossils from northern China. Researchers sequenced partial mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cyt b genes from seven porcupine individuals, including those from Tianyuan Cave near Zhoukoudian—a site significant for its late fossil record. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the morphologically identified Hystrix subcristata porcupines were more closely related to Hystrix brachyura, challenging previous classifications. This discovery, combined with morphological adaptations and associated fauna evidence, provides insights into the evolutionary history of porcupines during the Late Quaternary period.

Sheng, G., Hu, J., Tong, H., Llamas, B., Yuan, J., Hou, X., Chen, S., Xiao, B., & Lai, X. (2020). Ancient DNA of northern China Hystricidae sub-fossils reveals the evolutionary history of old world porcupines in the Late Pleistocene. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-020-01656-x