Using ancient DNA to uncover climate change impacts on Antarctica

该项目旨在利用保存在海底的古代DNA来研究过去的南极海洋生态系统如何对过去的气候变化做出反应，重点是全新世（过去约11，700年）。这项研究将首次描绘整个海洋食物网的海洋群落变化，并揭示关键海洋生物对气候变化的适应机制。项目的预期成果将包括对南极生态系统在地质时间尺度上的演变和复原力的重大认识。这将使澳大利亚处于海洋沉积古DNA研究的前沿，并为在持续气候变化期间保护南极洲提供宝贵的指导。

This project aims to utilise ancient DNA preserved in the seafloor to investigate how past Antarctic marine ecosystems have responded to past climatic changes, with a focus on the Holocene (last ~11,700 years). The study will generate the first-ever picture of marine community changes across the entire marine food web and unravel adaptation mechanisms of key marine organisms to climate shifts. Expected project outcomes will include significant knowledge advances into the evolution and resilience of Antarctic ecosystems over geological timescales. This will position Australia at the forefront of marine sedimentary ancient DNA research, and also provide valuable guidance for the conservation of Antarctica during ongoing climate change.