Amy Perry and Kate Putnam

Abstract:

This project will investigate the evolutionary history and taxonomy of various mammalian families using historical DNA samples. We will attempt to extract, characterize, amplify, and sequence DNA from old (50–200 years old) specimens that I have obtained via loan from various natural history museums. We will use the DNA sequences from these specimens to build a more complete phylogeny (evolutionary tree) of the groups of interest, attempting to place these rare specimens within a broader context. New methods in DNA extraction and analysis now allow researchers to study the genetics of very old museum specimens. This project is a collaboration with researchers at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH; New York) and the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH; Chicago).