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Updated: May 17, 2026
09:40
Novel Sequence Discovery by Subtractive Genomics
Published on: January 25, 2019
Complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequences from the first New Zealanders
Michael Knapp1, K Ann Horsburgh, Stefan Prost
1Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. michael.knapp@anatomy.otago.ac.nz
Summary
Ancient Polynesian voyagers settled Aotearoa/New Zealand 750 years ago. Mitochondrial genome analysis reveals insights into the genetic diversity of these early Pacific populations.
Area of Science:
- Human evolution
- Archaeogenetics
- Pacific Islander genetics
Background:
- Modern human dispersal began ~65,000 years ago, culminating in East Polynesia's settlement within the last 1,000 years.
- Aotearoa/New Zealand, the last major landmass settled by humans, was reached by Polynesian voyagers approximately 750 years ago.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze complete mitochondrial genome sequences from the Wairau Bar archaeological site.
- To provide insights into the genetic diversity of the founding population of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
- To understand the genetic landscape of human populations during the settlement of East Polynesia.
Main Methods:
- Recovery and sequencing of complete mitochondrial genomes from ancient human remains.
- Analysis of ancient DNA from the Wairau Bar archaeological site, a key location for early settlement.
- Comparative genomic analysis to assess genetic diversity and population relationships.
Main Results:
- Complete mitochondrial genome sequences were obtained from the likely founding population of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
- These ancient genomes offer direct evidence of the genetic makeup of early Polynesian voyagers.
- The data shed light on the genetic diversity present in the Pacific during the era of East Polynesian settlement.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial genetic data from ancient Polynesian voyagers who settled Aotearoa/New Zealand.
- Findings contribute to understanding the genetic diversity and population dynamics of the peopling of the Pacific.
- This research enhances our knowledge of human migration patterns and the settlement history of remote Oceania.
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