Researchers have decoded the DNA of bison to understand how their populations have changed over time. The study, published in the journal Science, involved sequencing 160 bison genomes spanning 20,000 years. Led by paleogeneticist Jonas Oppenheimer, the research team from the Paleogenomics Lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, included nearly 40 scientists, many of whom were Canadians.
The genetic analysis aims to aid modern conservation efforts by providing insights into the historical genetic makeup of bison. The study revealed that current bison populations are fragmented and genetically diverse compared to their more uniform ancestors due to past human-driven population bottlenecks.
By analyzing ancient bison bones and DNA from modern herds across Canada and the United States, researchers created a comprehensive genetic map of the species. The study highlighted the distinct genetic differences between wood bison and plains bison, emphasizing the importance of managing them separately for conservation purposes.
The research also identified the need for genetic matchmaking among isolated bison herds to prevent inbreeding and preserve genetic diversity. By leveraging ancient genomes, conservationists can guide the restoration of genetic flow among bison populations to ensure their long-term survival in the wild.
