2017/03/08 by Sonal Jain, Niraj Rai, Giriraj Kumar +4 · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Identification and Quantification in Food #Genetic diversity and population structure #Forensic and Genetic Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0164823
openalex publication_date 2017/03/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis of extinct ratite species is of considerable interest as it provides important insights into their origin, evolution, paleogeographical distribution and vicariant speciation in congruence with continental drift theory. In this study, DNA hotspots were detected in fossilized eggshell fragments of ratites (dated ≥25000 years B.P. by radiocarbon dating) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). DNA was isolated from five eggshell fragments and a 43 base pair (bp) sequence of a 16S rRNA mitochondrial-conserved region was successfully amplified and sequenced from one of the samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence revealed a 92% identity of the fossil eggshells to Struthio camelus and their position basal to other palaeognaths, consistent with the vicariant speciation model. Our study provides the first molecular evidence for the presence of ostriches in India, complementing the continental drift theory of biogeographical movement of ostriches in India, and opening up a new window into the evolutionary history of ratites.