Discovered DNA of the parasite, who lived 17,000 years ago
Source:
One of the types of roundworms. Fairly common parasites of man and animals
As is known, the parasites co-existed with us and other members of the animal world throughout our life cycle almost since the origin of life. Thus despite the fact that the parasites are well adapted to survive both inside and outside of a living organism, about the ancient parasites, known not so much. However, recently a group of researchers found , age about 17000 years (although our young, but to examine its contents are not less interesting). And it can tell a lot about the ancient representatives of the entire animal world.
Where and how found the DNA of the parasite?
A Group of paleontologists from the science and technology center in Mar del Plata during the study of caves in Central Argentina within one sedimentary layer of rock found fecal matter belonged to the big mean wild cats, namely — Cougars. However, in the course of DNA analysis of the sample the scientists found something else. The genetic material of the parasite, which, apparently, co-existed with mountain lion.
It is the oldest in the world recorded the finding concerning parasites — scientists say in an interview with the editorial Board of the journal of Parasitology. The new results are important for the biogeographic history of the spread of parasites and for the entire history of the species in the region. Research shows that if the coprolite (fossilized remains of feces) is stored in the right environment, we with high probability can detect eggs and the DNA of parasites, which many thousands of years. This will make it easier to build a chart of how different types of parasites develop over time.
As for the parasite, it belongs to the species Toxascaris leonina, who continue to parasitize on animals to this day. The fact that DNA of the parasite was detected in nearly intact form — this is a great success, as most of the genetic material is very much destroyed over time. Moreover, ancient DNA of living organisms «mixed» DNA putrefactive bacteria, which break down the flesh. So often scientists have to resort to the methods of cleaning and reconstruction of ancient DNA.
the Fossilized remains that have been the source of the ancient DNA of the parasite.
In this case, paleontologists very lucky, because due to the cool temperature and high concentration of salts inside the rock shelter there was a rapid drying and a kind of «preservation» the genetic material. Thus the data obtained can be concluded about the evolution of ancient parasites, by comparing the DNA of ancient Toxascaris leonina .
Moreover, already accumulated a sufficient number of «unidentified» ancient genetic material of the parasites found in this and nearby regions. And, comparing the sequence of nucleotides, it will be possible to draw conclusions about the migration of these parasites (and hence their speakers) in prehistoric times. And it can tell a lot about the formation of the flora and fauna of the entire South American continent.
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