TITLE:
Identification of Plant Remains in Underwater Archaeological Areas by Morphological Analysis and DNA Barcoding
AUTHORS:
Angelo Gismondi, Donatella Leonardi, Flavio Enei, Antonella Canini
KEYWORDS:
Barcoding; Optical Microscopy; SEM Analysis; Archaeobotany; Plant Remains
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Anthropology,
Vol.3 No.4,
November
29,
2013
ABSTRACT: DNA barcode technique has only recently been
applied to archaeobotanical studies. In fact, in association with
morphological, scanning electron and optical microscopic analyses, these
specific methods allow researcher to scientifically classify antique flora
samples. Therefore, this project wants to improve, to encourage and spread
further use of this protocol and to highlight the potentialities of the
molecular biology and microscopy related to botanical fossils. In conclusion,
ancient Olea europaea L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. seeds, a Pinus sp. pollen cone, a Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.
acorn, animal fibers and gymnosperm woody fragments, found in a 1st Century BC
sunken Dressel 1B amphora, have clearly been identified, in order to enhance
knowledge about Central Italy past human activity and environment. This
research has also demonstrated the applicability of this scientific approach on
specimens derived from underwater archaeological site.