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This work is a review of Ancient DNA´s place and utility in the field of physical anthropology. The work begins with a discussion of the methods and techniques used in studying ancient DNA, concentrating on those techniques most relevant to anthropology.These steps trace the process from likely places to find ancient DNA to procuring the DNA, extracting it, and determining the DNA´s authenticity. The next part of the work reviews the history of ancient DNA and the types of research questions that ancient DNA can help answer. The last part of the work utilizes the concepts and ideas from the first two sections to form two case studies on the use of ancient DNA. The first study examines the use of ancient DNA in studying the colonization of the Pacific and demonstrates the utility of a multi-disciplinary approach when using ancient DNA. The second case study looks at how ancient DNA has changed and broadened our understanding of the Neanderthals.

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Jacqueline Broida was born in Akron, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate degree at Miami University of Ohio, focusing on the Ancient Maya. The current work is the result of her research for her Master of Arts degree at The University of Colorado at Boulder. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado.

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