Using ancient DNA to study the origins and dispersal of ancestral Polynesian chickens across the Pacific

Abstract

Significance Ancient DNA sequences from chickens provide an opportunity to study their human-mediated dispersal across the Pacific due to the significant genetic diversity and range of archaeological material available. We analyze ancient and modern material and reveal that previous studies have been impacted by contamination with modern chicken DNA and, that as a result, there is no evidence for Polynesian dispersal of chickens to pre-Columbian South America. We identify genetic markers of authentic ancient Polynesian chickens and use them to model early chicken dispersals across the Pacific. We find connections between chickens in the Micronesian and Bismarck Islands, but no evidence these were involved in dispersals further east. We also find clues about the origins of Polynesian chickens in the Philippines.

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Affiliated Institutions

• Allan Wilson Centre NZ
• Australian National University AU
• University of Otago NZ
• Museums Victoria AU
• National Tropical Botanical Garden US
• The University of Sydney AU
• Durham University GB
• The University of Adelaide AU
• University of Oregon US
• University of Aberdeen GB
• Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research NZ
• Michigan State University US

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