Utilization of wild animal resources on the silk road: Ancient DNA study on Saiga tatarica unearthed from Tangchaodun Ruins

Abstract

The utilization of animal resources caters to human material needs for survival and development, reflecting the evolutions of culture and social structure, technological advancement, and the dynamics of human-environment relationship. The present ancient DNA study analyzes four samples excavated at Tangchaodun Ancient City Site which were morphologically identified as sheep. Alignment analyses, phylogenetic analyses, and genetic distance calculations reveal that these samples belong to the nominate subspecies of the Saiga antelope. In a broader sense, the results and findings of this study further confirmed the promising future of ancient DNA technology as a state-of-the-art method in subspecies identification and classification. Mitochondrial D-loop region analysis indicated that the ancient Saiga antelope population had remarkably high genetic diversity and thus a more complex population structure than its contemporary one. This finding offers valuable insights into historical distribution and conservation of Saiga antelope. From the perspective of historical geography, since ancient Saiga antelope population was discovered in Tangchaodun ruins, it’s deduced that the ancient residents there might have hunted and used the Saiga antelope to obtain materials for living and production. Specifically, as suggested by archaeological findings and recorded documents, the excavated Saiga antelope horns might be for medical and aesthetic uses. The findings and deductions made thereby provides clues about the hunting, tribute, and trade activities in that period, which helps draw a full picture of the economic and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road at that time.