For the first time, researchers have extracted ancient DNA from Caribbean parrot fossils and archaeological specimens, showing that species thought to be endemic to particular islands were historically more widespread and diverse.
In a new study published in PNAS, researchers have extracted the first ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots, which they compared with genetic sequences from modern birds. Working with fossils and archaeological specimens, they showed that two species thought to be endemic to particular islands were once more widespread and diverse. The results help explain how parrots rapidly became the world's most endangered group of birds, with 28% of all species considered to be threatened.
"People have always been obsessed with parrots," said lead author Jessica Oswald, a senior biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab."Indigenous peoples have moved parrots across continents and between islands for thousands of years. Later, European colonists continued that practice, and we're still moving them around today."
"There are records of parrots being kept in homes, where they were valued for their feathers and, in some cases, potentially as a source of food," said senior author Michelle LeFebvre, curator of South Florida archaeology and ethnography at the Florida Museum of Natural History.Parrots also have an uncharacteristically good fossil record in the Caribbean, compared with other tropical regions. However, specimens are rarely found intact.
Of the two, Cuban parrots are currently the most widespread, with isolated populations in Cuba and on a few islands in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. They're one of the only native parrots in the region not in imminent danger of extinction. "One of the striking things about this study is the discovery of what could be considered dark extinctions," LeFebvre said."We're learning about diversity we didn't even know existed until we took a closer look at museum specimens."
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Kaya Scodelario’s Carina Can Return In Pirates of the Caribbean 6Can Carina's comeback save POTC 6?
Read more »
10 Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Story Ideas If Johnny Depp Doesn't ReturnWill the sixth POTC replace Jack Sparrow?
Read more »
Caribbean parrots thought to be endemic are actually relicts of millennial-scale extinctionIn a new study published in PNAS, researchers have extracted the first ancient DNA from Caribbean parrots, which they compared with genetic sequences from modern birds. Working with fossils and archaeological specimens, they showed that two species thought to be endemic to particular islands were once more widespread and diverse.
Read more »
Study finds linkage between DNA methylome and RNA transcriptome in Fe deficiency in tomato rootsTomato (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most important horticultural crops, is rich in iron and vitamins. As an essential micro-element for plants, iron (Fe) deficiency not only restricts tomato growth, development and fruit quality, but also poses health risks to animals and humans, resulting in human nutritional disorder worldwide.
Read more »
How a DNA test inspired actress-activist Kerry Washington's journey of self-discoveryWashington was an adult when she learned that she had been conceived via artificial insemination and the man she considered her father was not her biological dad. Her new memoir is Thicker than Water.
Read more »
Nanopore sequencing and DNA barcoding method gives hope of personalized medicineWith the ability to map dozens of biomarkers at once, a new method could transform testing for conditions including heart disease and cancer.
Read more »