[Ancient DNA].

The review is devoted to molecular genetic studies of ancient DNA. The problems of DNA preservation and modification after cell death, as well as techniques of working with ancient DNA, including its retrieval, removal of inhibitors, PCR amplification, and phylogenetic analysis, are discussed in detail. The possibilities are considered of using ancient DNA in resolving issues of systematics and evolution of various animal taxa, population genetics of humans and rare species, taxonomic identification and paleontological reconstructions, geographic origin of populations, microbiological analysis of paleontological and archeological finds, as well as some humanitarian aspects of its use.