Sedimentary ancient DNA of Antarctic foraminifera

Foraminifera are a large group of unicellular microorganisms inhabiting waters and sediments of the world ocean. Their diversity and adaptability to different conditions make them important indicators in biology and geology. In this paper, we present a study of foraminiferal DNA from Ross Sea bottom sediments up to ca. 30,000 years old. Using a newly designed barcode, we not only confirmed the presence of foraminifera that can be preserved as fossils, but also their abundant representatives with fragile organic shells. Our results complement routine micropalaeontological analyses, and show a great potential for future palaeoenvironmental studies.

Figure: DNA preserved in marine sediments from tens of thousands of years ago makes it possible to reconstruct rich assemblages of foraminifera – microorganisms living at the foot of the Antarctic ice sheet.