Genomics: Ancient

Despite the relatively recent advent of ancient DNA (aDNA) studies, insight into human and nonhuman genomes has provided a wealth of information and a unique window into the past. Genomics itself is the study of the whole genetic information an individual carries and allows for studying the ancestry of an individual beyond just maternal or paternal relationships. Additionally, this growing field of study provides an avenue for learning about human migration, natural selection, and many other topics. This brief overview discusses the sources of aDNA, the development of whole genome level studies, some of the field's main difficulties, and examples of how we now apply genomic data.