Gilbert M Thomas P, Bandelt Hans-Jürgen, Hofreiter Michael, Barnes Ian
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell St, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Trends Ecol Evol. 2005 Oct;20(10):541-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2005.07.005. Epub 2005 Jul 21.
The study of ancient DNA has the potential to make significant and unique contributions to ecology and evolution. However, the techniques used contain inherent problems, particularly with regards to the generation of authentic and useful data. The solution currently advocated to reduce contamination and artefactual results is to adopt criteria for authentication. Nevertheless, these criteria are not foolproof, and we believe that they have, in practice, replaced the use of thought and prudence when designing and executing ancient DNA studies. We argue here that researchers in this field must take a more cognitive and self-critical approach. Specifically, in place of checking criteria off lists, researchers must explain, in sufficient enough detail to dispel doubt, how the data were obtained, and why they should be believed to be authentic.
古代DNA研究有潜力对生态学和进化做出重大且独特的贡献。然而，所使用的技术存在一些固有问题，特别是在生成真实且有用的数据方面。目前倡导的减少污染和人为结果的解决方案是采用认证标准。然而，这些标准并非万无一失，而且我们认为，在实际操作中，它们在设计和开展古代DNA研究时取代了思考和审慎的运用。我们在此认为，该领域的研究人员必须采取更具认知性和自我批评性的方法。具体而言，研究人员不应只是对照清单检查标准，而必须详细解释数据是如何获得的，以及为何应该相信这些数据是真实的，以消除疑虑。
