The Molecular Genetics of Prey Choice Using Ancient DNA to Infer Prehistoric Population Histories

Zooarchaeologists interested in the complex relationships between prehistoric hunters and their chosen prey frequently infer detailed prey population histories. The chain of inference necessary to proceed from an observed faunal assemblage to an estimate of population history, however, is routinely affected by a suite of complicating variables common to archaeological research. Accordingly, the development of methods to produce such histories has proven to be challenging. Nonetheless, methods to infer temporal trends in prey population histories are increasingly in demand as evinced by continued interest in the effect of prehistoric hunting practices on prey population dynamics, recent debate among California archaeologists regarding the specific fitness-related goals of large game hunting, and emerging recognition of the potential for zooarchaeological data to inform issues in conservation biology. Fortunately, animals maintain a molecular record of their histories. Ancient DNA methods, coupled with theoretical insight from population genetics, provide access to this record and offer a more direct measure of prehistoric prey population history than taxonomic relative abundance methods that are commonly employed today. This article explores the potential for molecular zooarchaeology to develop critical population histories for prehistoric prey taxa.