Evaluation of DNA and collagen preservation in Late Pleistocene and Holocene bovid fossils from South Africa

Quaternary Science Reviews 2026 Open access

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Authors: Deon de Jager, Andi M Wilson, Alba Rey-Iglesia, J. Tyler Faith, Kaedan O’Brien, Wendy Black, Wilhelmina Seconna, Olivia Hall, Paul Szpak, Eline D. Lorenzen
DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2026.110076
Cited by: 1
References: 78

Abstract

• DNA is preserved in the majority of Holocene fossils. • Four Pleistocene fossils from 12,000 to 50,000 years-old preserve endogenous DNA. • Collagen is preserved only in Holocene fossils. • Fossils were digitized via 3D models, photographs, and occurrence records. • Considerations shared for palaeogenetic studies on fossils from lower latitudes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology Forensic and Genetic Research Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Quaternary Science Reviews
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
388
Pages
110076–110076
Publication date
27 May 2026
Language
EN