Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
Salmon was critical to the Indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest, and the variation in Pacific salmon species has played a vital role in the behavior of fisher-hunter-gatherer societies. This project involves using ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis to identify salmon species in order to test varying evolutionary models. These models include the Diet Breadth Model of Human Behavioral Ecology (HBE), cultural transmission theory, and the parameters of social rank among members at the Housepit 54, Bridge River archaeological site in British Columbia. In essence, these models help understand the social and economic impacts on the fishing behavior of members at Housepit 54. aDNA analysis is conducted on thoracic vertebrae sampled from a sequence of 15 stratigraphic floors. The samples of salmon vertebrae vary in size, and the spatial distribution is considered before selection to eliminate the risk of sampling from the same individual fish specimen. Furthermore, the sequence of floors can be separated by two occupational periods: Bridge River 2 (1600-1300 cal. B.P.) and Bridge River 3 (1300-1000 cal. B.P.). This provides a better understanding of the temporal distribution of each salmon species.
The Fraser River was the primary watershed accessed by Housepit 54 occupants. There are five Pacific Salmon species that spawn within the Fraser River and its tributaries: sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and chum (Oncorhynchus keta). Salmon species are not morphologically distinct; thus, aDNA analysis is necessary to determine species variability. Determining which species were consumed based on socio-economic value helps archaeologists understand cultural bias and optimal foraging theory. Furthermore, given that each species exhibits different spawning behaviors, environmental impacts on salmon populations, such as changes in climate and watershed temperatures, may also be inferred from this data.
Mentor Name
Anna Prentiss
Personal Statement
Conducting ancient DNA analysis is a new undertaking for me. I have been fortunate to work closely with faculty and other graduate students in the Anthropology Department at the University of Montana to develop skills in this area. This project holds the potential to grow, which I believe will open new avenues of research for myself and other students. I was recently accepted into my department’s Ph.D. program to carry out this work. I know this will be a challenging endeavor, but it will help me develop personally and professionally. Not only does this project hold value to me as a researcher, but I believe this data can aid other scientific communities and studies, such as environmental sciences, climate change studies, and genomic research of salmon populations. Furthermore, the data from this project will be shared with the Bridge River Band, the descendant community of the Bridger River archaeological site in British Columbia. The information from my thesis and dissertation can benefit their heritage tours and deepen their understanding of their ancestral fishing culture.
Best of GradCon Presentation - KFox
Ancient DNA Analysis of Salmonid Remains at Housepit 54, Bridge River, British Columbia
UC North Ballroom
Salmon was critical to the Indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest, and the variation in Pacific salmon species has played a vital role in the behavior of fisher-hunter-gatherer societies. This project involves using ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis to identify salmon species in order to test varying evolutionary models. These models include the Diet Breadth Model of Human Behavioral Ecology (HBE), cultural transmission theory, and the parameters of social rank among members at the Housepit 54, Bridge River archaeological site in British Columbia. In essence, these models help understand the social and economic impacts on the fishing behavior of members at Housepit 54. aDNA analysis is conducted on thoracic vertebrae sampled from a sequence of 15 stratigraphic floors. The samples of salmon vertebrae vary in size, and the spatial distribution is considered before selection to eliminate the risk of sampling from the same individual fish specimen. Furthermore, the sequence of floors can be separated by two occupational periods: Bridge River 2 (1600-1300 cal. B.P.) and Bridge River 3 (1300-1000 cal. B.P.). This provides a better understanding of the temporal distribution of each salmon species.
The Fraser River was the primary watershed accessed by Housepit 54 occupants. There are five Pacific Salmon species that spawn within the Fraser River and its tributaries: sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and chum (Oncorhynchus keta). Salmon species are not morphologically distinct; thus, aDNA analysis is necessary to determine species variability. Determining which species were consumed based on socio-economic value helps archaeologists understand cultural bias and optimal foraging theory. Furthermore, given that each species exhibits different spawning behaviors, environmental impacts on salmon populations, such as changes in climate and watershed temperatures, may also be inferred from this data.