Reading the giant tortoise DNA that time forgot

Using a new combination of computational tools to analyze ancient DNA, Yale researchers have discovered two ancient, extinct giant tortoise lineages that once lived on the Galapagos Islands.

The researchers’ pioneering approach, which employs computational genome analysis tools, showed that museum specimens previously considered too genetically degraded to be useful in this type of research can help reveal evolutionary history. The findings could also aid ongoing efforts to expand giant tortoise populations in the Galapagos archipelago.

Results of the study are published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.