Once abundant across North America, bison faced near extinction due to relentless hunting, leading to a significant decline in their population. New research focusing on decoding the genetic makeup of bison sheds light on the impact of their dwindling numbers and the gradual return of herds to their native habitats.
Published in the journal Science, the study involved sequencing 160 bison genomes, offering insights into the species’ evolution over a span of 20,000 years. A team of nearly 40 scientists, predominantly from Canada, spearheaded the research led by paleogeneticist Jonas Oppenheimer at the Paleogenomics Lab, University of California, Santa Cruz, renowned for its expertise in ancient DNA analysis.
The objective of the research is to inform modern conservation strategies by unraveling the intricate genetic history of bison. By understanding the genetic diversity of these animals, researchers aim to enhance their survival prospects in the face of present-day challenges.
Historically interconnected, bison populations now exist in isolated groups under controlled management. The study revealed that the fragmentation of contemporary herds poses a threat to their resilience.
Jonas Oppenheimer highlighted the genetic homogeneity of past bison populations across North America compared to the distinct genetic profiles seen in present-day herds, attributing this shift to a significant bottleneck caused by human activities.
Tracing Genetic Changes
By analyzing the complete genetic codes of bison, researchers were able to track alterations in the species’ biological diversity over time. DNA samples were collected from ancient bison remains dating back thousands of years and from existing herds in various locations.
The study encompassed DNA analysis from managed bison herds in Canada and the United States, as well as wild herds in various locations. Ancient DNA samples were sourced from collections in the US, Canada, and Russia, including institutions like Parks Canada and the Royal Alberta Museum.
The researchers sequenced a total of 115 ancient bison genomes and 45 modern ones, merging this data with 52 previously analyzed genomes to construct the most extensive genetic map of bison to date.
Chris Jass, a paleontologist at the Royal Alberta Museum, emphasized the importance of ancient fossils in informing contemporary wildlife management practices and hailed the study as a testament to collaborative scientific efforts.
The research shed light on the impact of historical events on bison populations, revealing significant genetic shifts due to past declines.