| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1037775 | Journal of Archaeological Science | 2006 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
We report analysis of ancient mitochondrial DNA sequences from nine archaeological specimens (8 femura and 1 incissor) of Rattus exulans excavated from Anakena Beach Dune on Rapa Nui. Sequence of a 239-base-pair fragment of the hypervariable mitochondrial control region reveals a single mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of all samples corresponding to the R9 haplotype prevalent in East Polynesia. This suggests a single or very limited introduction of Rattus exulans to the island. Rapa Nui, like other remote islands of Polynesia, remained effectively isolated following colonization.
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Authors
S.S. Barnes, E. Matisoo-Smith, T.L. Hunt,