Implications For Domestication Research Articles

Response of plant species to impact of climate change in Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu forest, Tigray, Ethiopia: Implications for domestication and climate change mitigation

This study aimed to predict distribution and Total Carbon Stock (TCS) dynamics of Acacia abyssinica, Carissa edulis, and Juniperus procera in the Hugumbrda Grat-Kahsu National Forest in current (1970–2000) and future climate scenarios (2021–2100). Bioclimatic, soil, and elevation data were used for modeling using Maxent, with model accuracy evaluated using Area Under the Curve (AUC), Kappa test and True Skill Statistic (TSS). Significant differences were observed in distribution of species between current and future periods under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) of SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. The main contributing predictors of the species distribution were temperature seasonality, altitude, and precipitation of the warmest quarter. All species were projected to shift to higher altitudes in the future. Acacia abyssinica’s current potential distribution (42.9 %) could expand to 77.1–99.2 % (SSP2-4.5) and 63.8–72.9 % (SSP5-8.5). Carissa edulis could extend from 54.2 % to 89.5–100 % (SSP2-4.5) and 77.1–87.9 % (SSP5-8.5). Juniperus procera’s might increase from 63.8 % to 91.8-99.7 % (SSP2-4.5) and 78–88.1 % (SSP5-8.5). The projected future climate is expected to result in an expansion of new suitable areas for all three species. The TCS estimates per km2 were 169 (Acacia abyssinica), 46 (Carissa edulis), and 1381 ton (Juniperus procera). In SSP2-4.5, Acacia abyssinica’s TCS could rise from 25,688 to 59,319 tons, Carissa edulis from 8,832 to 16,284 tons, and Juniperus procera from 312,106 to 487,493 tons. In SSP5-8.5, projections indicated 43,602 tons (Acacia abyssinica), 14,306 tons (Carissa edulis), and 430,872 tons (Juniperus procera). The study concludes by recommending the strategic planting of these species in both current and future suitable areas to enhance ecosystem services and ensure their sustained existence in the face of changing climates.

Habitat suitability of subpopulations of Adansonia digitata L. in West Africa: Implications for conservation and domestication

For an adaptive policy to be effective, it is crucial to divide species populations into subpopulations, especially for species with diverse environmental conditions. In this study, occurrence data of Adansonia digitata L., a multipurpose tree species, were collected from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility portal (1513), fieldwork (421), and other studies (195) throughout the West Africa scale. Principal Component Analysis was used to discriminate the sample into four subpopulations based on 19 bioclimatic variables, elevation, and soil data. Using a Stack Species Distribution Modelling (SSDM) approach, nine modeling algorithms were performed for each subpopulation and the global sample. The results showed that the distribution of subpopulations was latitudinally dependent, with niches differentiated and not overlapping. Environmental variables contributed differently according to the subpopulations. Overall, it was found that 47.63% of West Africa was unsuitable for the cultivation and conservation of the species, while 15.38% was highly suitable. Among the most suitable countries were Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, and Togo.

Extensive crop-wild hybridization during Brassica evolution and selection during the domestication and diversification of Brassica crops.

Adaptive genetic diversity in crop wild relatives (CWRs) can be exploited to develop improved crops with higher yield and resilience if phylogenetic relationships between crops and their CWRs are resolved. This further allows accurate quantification of genome-wide introgression and determination of regions of the genome under selection. Using broad sampling of CWRs and whole genome sequencing, we further demonstrate the relationships among two economically valuable and morphologically diverse Brassica crop species, their CWRs, and their putative wild progenitors. Complex genetic relationships and extensive genomic introgression between CWRs and Brassica crops were revealed. Some wild Brassica oleracea populations have admixed feral origins; some domesticated taxa in both crop species are of hybrid origin, while wild Brassica rapa is genetically indistinct from turnips. The extensive genomic introgression that we reveal could result in false identification of selection signatures during domestication using traditional comparative approaches used previously; therefore, we adopted a single-population approach to study selection during domestication. We used this to explore examples of parallel phenotypic selection in the two crop groups and highlight promising candidate genes for future investigation. Our analysis defines the complex genetic relationships between Brassica crops and their diverse CWRs, revealing extensive cross-species gene flow with implications for both crop domestication and evolutionary diversification more generally.

New insights upon the reproductive biology of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) in the Mediterranean: Implications for management and domestication

Holothuria tubulosa is one of the most common sea cucumber species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. Due to its commercial interest for the international market, it has been harvested without proper management causing the overexploitation of its stocks. Inadequate management is also caused by lack of information on basic biology and ecology not allowing the estimating of the species vulnerability and resilience to growing anthropogenic pressures. In this paper, we have investigated basic life-history traits of H. tubulosa (population structure and reproductive cycle) in a population of Central-Western Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy). A macroscopic maturity scale for both sexes was defined through an instrumental colorimetric analysis of the gonads and the ramification level of the gonad’s tubules, subsequently confirmed by histological analysis. The seasonal trend of the Gonado-Somatic Index, the changes in color of the gonads and tubules ramification indicated that the spawning period of H. tubulosa was concentrated in summer with a peak in late August, closely related to the increase in water temperature. A synchronous development of the gonads, with a unique and short reproductive event during the year, was also detected. In conclusion, this study provides new evidence on the biological and ecological features of H. tubulosa, essential data for developing a scientifically-based stock assessment as well as conservative management at a local scale. Finally, we provided basic information for the domestication of broodstock in a conservative hatchery.

Selection for Reduced Fear of Humans Changes Intra-Specific Social Behavior in Red Junglefowl-Implications for Chicken Domestication.

The domestic fowl has a different social behavior compared to their ancestor, the red junglefowl. To examine whether selection for tameness has affected their intra-specific social behavior, 32 red junglefowl from two selection lines, one selected for increased tameness and one selected for a high fear of humans for ten generations, were kept in a group of two females and two males each and were observed in a semi-natural undisturbed enclosure. Birds selected for a low fear of humans had more social conflict, and the males from this selection crowed more and were more often observed in low social proximity to others. The high-fear birds spent more time close together with the rest of the group and performed more social, non-aggressive pecking. These results are consistent with known differences between ancestral red junglefowl and domesticated laying hens. Our results show that intra-specific social behavior has been affected as a side-effect of selection for increased tameness. This may have interesting implications for the emergence of the domestication syndrome in chickens.

Gut Microbiota Linked with Reduced Fear of Humans in Red Junglefowl Has Implications for Early Domestication.

Domestication of animals can lead to profound phenotypic modifications within short evolutionary time periods, and for many species behavioral selection is likely at the forefront of this process. Animal studies have strongly implicated that the gut microbiome plays a major role in host behavior and cognition through the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Consequently, herein, it is hypothesized that host gut microbiota may be one of the earliest phenotypes to change as wild animals were domesticated. Here, the gut microbiome community in two selected lines of red junglefowl that are selected for either high or low fear of humans up to eight generations is examined. Microbiota profiles reveal taxonomic differences in gut bacteria known to produce neuroactive compounds between the two selection lines. Gut-brain module analysis by means of genome-resolved metagenomics identifies enrichment in the microbial synthesis and degradation potential of metabolites associated with fear extinction and reduces anxiety-like behaviors in low fear fowls. In contrast, high fear fowls are enriched in gut-brain modules from the butyrate and glutamate pathways, metabolites associated with fear conditioning. Overall, the results identify differences in the composition and functional potential of the gut microbiota across selection lines that may provide insights into the mechanistic explanations of the domestication process.

Impact of selection and domestication on hindlimb bones of modern reindeer populations: Archaeological implications for early reindeer management by Sámi in Fennoscandia

ABSTRACT For centuries, reindeer herding has been an integral part of the subsistence and culture among the Sámi of northern Fennoscandia. Despite the importance of this husbandry in their history, the timing and details of early reindeer domestication are still highly debated. Indeed, identifying domesticated individuals in the archaeological record remains complicated because reindeer are still considered to be in the early phases of the domestication process. In this work, we propose solutions for identifying domestic individuals using 3D geometric morphometrics on isolated elements from the long bones of the hindlimb in modern reindeer populations. These bones are important for understanding both the mobility of reindeer and the effect of load carrying or draught. A good level of distinction between the size and shape variables of these bones was found among subspecies, sex and lifestyles. This demonstrates that the long bones of the hindlimb can provide information on changes in locomotor behaviour induced by the domestication process, such as control and reduction of reindeer mobility by humans. This also demonstrates that analysis in geometric morphometrics is useful for exploring the use of draught reindeer in early Sámi reindeer herding and the implications for understanding reindeer domestication and early reindeer herding strategies.

Earliest archaeological evidence for domesticated reindeer economy among the Sámi of Northeastern Fennoscandia AD 1300 onwards

The domestication of the reindeer among the Sámi of Northern Fennoscandia is a pressing question for the archaeology of the area and has wider relevance to animal domestication studies globally. Despite considerable research activity, many details of reindeer domestication and early reindeer management remain unclear. This paper explores the use of draught reindeer in early Sámi reindeer herding and the implications for understanding reindeer domestication and early reindeer herding strategies. Faunal assemblages from three Sámi dwelling sites in Northeastern Fennoscandia (AD 1300–1800) were subjected to radiocarbon dating and analysis of palaeopathological lesions, entheseal changes and osteometric measurements. The results suggest that working reindeer were present in the archaeological assemblages from AD 1300 onwards. This is the earliest direct evidence of draught reindeer use by the Sámi. It predates the earliest unequivocal historical sources on draught reindeer use, and confirms the hypothesis that draught reindeer were important in early reindeer herding. Our results show that that small-scale reindeer herding was integrated into the subsistence strategy of the Sámi of Northeastern Fennoscandia earlier than previously suggested. Furthermore, the results imply that training and working together with reindeer were ways of constructing the domestication relationship between the Sámi and reindeer.

Relationship Between C4Biomass and C4Agriculture During the Holocene and its Implications for Millet Domestication in Northeast China

AbstractThe origin of C4agriculture in China, foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and common millet (Panicum miliaceum), remains unclear. Here we conducted a comprehensive geochemical study of the archeological site of Chahai in Northeastern (NE) China and deduced that higher C4biomass in the cultural layers was mainly caused by agricultural practices and other human activities. To evaluate the anthropogenic factors involved in millet domestication, we produced a time series of contour maps of C4biomass for North China since 14 ka and integrated archaeological data. Results show that the origin and development of millet agriculture was nearly synchronous with the increase in C4biomass in the early‐mid Holocene, but the synchrony was decoupled at ∼4 ka when millet cultivation was established in NE China. Our findings suggest that both human management (possibly cultivation) of C4plants, and an environmental background of high C4biomass drove the origin of millet agriculture.

Seed source variation for leaf morphological traits of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in the central western ghats of Karnataka: Implications for Domestication

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Lauraceae)known as ‘true cinnamon’ or 'sweet wood', is a native species of Sri Lanka and the Indian West Coast. Cinnamon leaves are widely used as spice, and for the extraction of an essential oil rich in eugenol, which is a highly sought after by the perfume and flavour industries. The study was undertaken during 2017-19 at various field sites of Central Western Ghats of Karnataka to characterize the leaf morphology of cinnamon. About 106 mother trees were selected from five different sources and both qualitative and quantitative leaf traits were evaluated. Wide variation was recorded between trees and sources for leaf parameters. Higher coefficient of variation among different leaf traits was observed for leaf colour followed by leaf flush colour. Among the selected trees, ovate shaped leaves with sub acute type of leaf tip was dominantly recorded. Only two trees G2 and K2 recorded the purple colour petiole with sweet taste. The leaves of trees from Jaddigadde source were larger in size, while those from Kankodlu and Siddapur source showed smaller size. Leaf markers that could be adopted to easily measure the magnitude of diversity, to select higher yielding types as well as for conservation.

Perceived variation of fruit traits, and preferences in African locust bean [Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.] in Benin: implications for domestication

Understanding folk classification system of perceived variation and preferences in fruit traits are necessary to effectively engage farmers in the domestication of wild edible fruit tree species. Social attributes can help to better understand perception of variation, and preferences. We focused on Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth., a valuable fruit tree in Benin, examining the folk classification systems and preferences for fruit morphotypes, and the extent to which they are related to social attributes in the two major climatic zones of its occurrence in Benin. Using random sampling, we selected 648 informants for individual semi-structured interviews which focused on recognized morphotypes, local classification system, and both desirable and undesirable traits related to pod, pulp, and seeds. Data were analyzed using relative frequency of citation, and principal component analysis. Informants used similar criteria to differentiate fruits of species including pod shape (RFC = 100%), pulp yield (RFC = 100%) and number of seeds per pod (RFC = 99.84%), color (RFC = 100%) and taste (RFC = 99.84%) of pulp as well as brightness (RFC = 99.07%) and color (RFC = 100%) of seed. Informant’s preferences were marked for fruits containing large number of seeds with larger size and of good seed quality. Sweetness of the pulp was also mentioned, though some differences were noted among gender and sociolinguistic groups. Our findings provide essential information for decision-making for effective domestication initiatives. To advance further domestication, while conserving essential genetic resources, quantitative morphological and molecular characterization of the observed variations in P. biglobosa are needed.

Evidence of large genetic influences on dog ownership in the Swedish Twin Registry has implications for understanding domestication and health associations

Dogs were the first domesticated animal and, according to the archaeological evidence, have had a close relationship with humans for at least 15,000 years. Today, dogs are common pets in our society and have been linked to increased well-being and improved health outcomes in their owners. A dog in the family during childhood is associated with ownership in adult life. The underlying factors behind this association could be related to experiences or to genetic influences. We aimed to investigate the heritability of dog ownership in a large twin sample including all twins in the Swedish Twin Registry born between 1926 and 1996 and alive in 2006. Information about dog ownership was available from 2001 to 2016 from national dog registers. The final data set included 85,542 twins from 50,507 twin pairs with known zygosity, where information on both twins were available in 35,035 pairs. Structural equation modeling was performed to estimate additive genetic effects (the heritability), common/shared environmental, and unique/non-shared environmental effects. We found that additive genetic factors largely contributed to dog ownership, with heritability estimated at 57% for females and 51% for males. An effect of shared environmental factors was only observed in early adulthood. In conclusion, we show a strong genetic contribution to dog ownership in adulthood in a large twin study. We see two main implications of this finding: (1) genetic variation may have contributed to our ability to domesticate dogs and other animals and (2) potential pleiotropic effects of genetic variation affecting dog ownership should be considered in studies examining health impacts of dog ownership.

Mechanisms of nitrogen conservation at the leaf-level in annual and perennial desert forbs: Implications for perennial crops domestication

Perennial plants show traits such as long-lived leaves and higher nutrient retention that provide a more efficient use of nutrients in low-resource environments when compared to annuals. These traits do not only generate yield stability but should be relevant in the provision of regulating ecosystem services for sustainability. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying nutrient use and conservation in perennial herbaceous crops might provide useful evidence to test the potential benefits of perennial crops in low-resource environments. Using annual and perennial Physaria as a working model, we tested the link between nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), plant´s life-cycle, and specific leaf area (SLA), as an indicator of C economy strategy. As expected, SLA was pivotal in determining differences in N use and conservation, except for two processes: resorption efficiency and proficiency. The maintenance of green leaf tissues through long-lived leaves in perennials may play a key role in the capacity to store carbon and nitrogen during the grain-filling phase. Perennials had 50% less leaf senescence, lost 50% less nitrogen, had higher mean residence time, and a higher nitrogen use efficiency than annuals. Photosynthetic N use efficiency and N productivity were dependent on environmental conditions: perennials which maintained a conservative strategy both years also showed a more stable biomass production. Traits relevant for the ability to minimize nitrogen losses and internal plant nitrogen turnover over multiple seasons shown by perennials may be relevant in improving both resource use efficiency and yield stability.

Correction to "Phenotypic effects of allotetraploidization of wild Arachis and their implications for peanut domestication".

Correction to "Phenotypic effects of allotetraploidization of wild Arachis and their implications for peanut domestication".

Phenotypic effects of allotetraploidization of wild Arachis and their implications for peanut domestication.

Several species of Arachis have been cultivated for their edible seeds, historically and to the present day. The diploid species that have a history of cultivation show relatively small signatures of domestication. In contrast, the tetraploid species A. hypogaea evolved into highly domesticated forms and became a major world crop, the cultivated peanut. It seems likely that allotetraploidization (hybridity and/or tetraploidization) in some way enhanced attractiveness for cultivation. Here we investigate this using six different hybridization and tetraploidization events, from distinct Arachis diploid species, including one event derived from the same wild species that originated peanut. Twenty-six anatomical, morphological, and physiological traits were examined in the induced allotetraploid plants and compared with their wild diploid parents. Nineteen traits were transgressive (showed strong response to hybridization and chromosome duplication): allotetraploids had larger leaves, stomata and epidermal cells than did their diploid parents. In addition, allotetraploids produced more photosynthetic pigments. These traits have the same trend across the different hybrid combinations, suggesting that the changes are more likely due to ploidy rather than hybridity. In contrast, seed dimensions and seed mass did not significantly change in response to hybridization or tetraploidization. We suggest that the original allotetraploid that gave rise to cultivated peanut may have been attractive because of an increase in plant size, different transpiration characteristics, higher photosynthetic capacity, or other characteristics, but contrary to accepted knowledge, increased seed size was unlikely to have been important in the initial domestication.

Ethnobotany and analysis of food components of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.) in the transitional zone of Ghana: implications for domestication, conservation and breeding of improved varieties

African locust bean is an important non-timber leguminous tree species for food security in Sahelian zones of Africa. Despite its multipurpose uses by local inhabitants, not much is known about its nutritional importance and ethnobotany in Ghana. For this, one thousand farmers randomly selected from five towns in the transitional zone of Ghana were surveyed using participatory rapid appraisal tools and techniques. The major uses of the plant in the survey area include food, medicine and firewood. Men are involved in the collection of the fruits and women process the seed into “dawadawa”, a protein rich condiment. Folk names of the plant in the study area means a mother or helper indicating the importance of the plant in nutrition and food security. The leaf, bark, root and fruit of the plant are used to treat various medical problems including fever, diarrhoea, stomach problems, boils and burns. Bad odour, limited market access, lack of elite genotypes, bush fires and tedious labour operations were the main constraints of African locust bean production in Ghana. Results on the stages of domestication show that African locust bean is in early stages of domestication which suggest that the respondents are aware of the food value and have a sense of ownership of the crop. Proximate composition of the pulp and the dehulled seed was determined using the official method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists revealed that the pulp contains 2.47 % ash, 2.15 % protein, 1.33 % fat, 6.9 % fibre and 74 % carbohydrates. The dehulled bean contains 3.91 % ash, 20.93 % protein, 26.33 % fat, 4.92 % fibre and 34.18 % carbohydrates. These findings justified urgent need to domesticate, conserve natural populations and to develop improved varieties to ensure food and nutrition security and health in Africa.

Population genetic analysis of a medicinally significant Australian rainforest tree, Fontainea picrosperma C.T. White (Euphorbiaceae): biogeographic patterns and implications for species domestication and plantation establishment.

BackgroundFontainea picrosperma, a subcanopy tree endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Australia, is of medicinal significance following the discovery of the novel anti-cancer natural product, EBC-46. Laboratory synthesis of EBC-46 is unlikely to be commercially feasible and consequently production of the molecule is via isolation from F. picrosperma grown in plantations.Successful domestication and plantation production requires an intimate knowledge of a taxon’s life-history attributes and genetic architecture, not only to ensure the maximum capture of genetic diversity from wild source populations, but also to minimise the risk of a detrimental loss in genetic diversity via founder effects during subsequent breeding programs designed to enhance commercially significant agronomic traits.ResultsHere we report the use of eleven microsatellite loci (PIC = 0.429; PID = 1.72 × 10−6) to investigate the partitioning of genetic diversity within and among seven natural populations of F. picrosperma. Genetic variation among individuals and within populations was found to be relatively low (A = 2.831; HE = 0.407), although there was marked differentiation among populations (PhiPT = 0.248). Bayesian, UPGMA and principal coordinates analyses detected three main genotypic clusters (K = 3), which were present at all seven populations. Despite low levels of historical gene flow (Nm = 1.382), inbreeding was negligible (F = -0.003); presumably due to the taxon’s dioecious breeding system.ConclusionThe data suggests that F. picrosperma was previously more continuously distributed, but that rainforest contraction and expansion in response to glacial-interglacial cycles, together with significant anthropogenic effects have resulted in significant fragmentation. This research provides important tools to support plantation establishment, selection and genetic improvement of this medicinally significant Australian rainforest species.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-016-0743-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Adding 'epi-' to behaviour genetics: implications for animal domestication.

In this review, it is argued that greatly improved understanding of domestication may be gained from extending the field of behaviour genetics to also include epigenetics. Domestication offers an interesting framework of rapid evolutionary changes caused by well-defined selection pressures. Behaviour is an important phenotype in this context, as it represents the primary means of response to environmental challenges. An overview is provided of the evidence for genetic involvement in behavioural control and the presently used methods for finding so-called behaviour genes. This shows that evolutionary changes in behaviour are to a large extent correlated to changes in patterns of gene expression, which brings epigenetics into the focus. This area is concerned with the mechanisms controlling the timing and extent of gene expression, and a lot of focus has been placed on methylation of cytosine in promoter regions, usually associated with genetic downregulation. The review considers the available evidence that environmental input, for example stress, can modify methylation and other epigenetic marks and subsequently affect behaviour. Furthermore, several studies are reviewed, demonstrating that acquired epigenetic modifications can be inherited and cause trans-generational behaviour changes. In conclusion, epigenetics may signify a new paradigm in this respect, as it shows that genomic modifications can be caused by environmental signals, and random mutations in DNA sequence are therefore not the only sources of heritable genetic variation.

Amylase activity is associated with AMY2B copy numbers in dog: implications for dog domestication, diet and diabetes.

High amylase activity in dogs is associated with a drastic increase in copy numbers of the gene coding for pancreatic amylase, AMY2B, that likely allowed dogs to thrive on a relatively starch-rich diet during early dog domestication. Although most dogs thus probably digest starch more efficiently than do wolves, AMY2B copy numbers vary widely within the dog population, and it is not clear how this variation affects the individual ability to handle starch nor how it affects dog health. In humans, copy numbers of the gene coding for salivary amylase, AMY1, correlate with both salivary amylase levels and enzyme activity, and high amylase activity is related to improved glycemic homeostasis and lower frequencies of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigate the relationship between AMY2B copy numbers and serum amylase activity in dogs and show that amylase activity correlates with AMY2B copy numbers. We then describe how AMY2B copy numbers vary in individuals from 20 dog breeds and find strong breed-dependent patterns, indicating that the ability to digest starch varies both at the breed and individual level. Finally, to test whether AMY2B copy number is strongly associated with the risk of developing diabetes mellitus, we compare copy numbers in cases and controls as well as in breeds with varying diabetes susceptibility. Although we see no such association here, future studies using larger cohorts are needed before excluding a possible link between AMY2B and diabetes mellitus.

A comparative study of ancient DNA isolated from charred pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds from an Early Iron Age settlement in southeast Serbia: inference for pea domestication

The development of agriculture was a key turning point in human history, a central part of which was the evolution of new plant forms, domesticated crops. Grain legumes were domesticated in parallel with cereals and formed important dietary components of early civilizations. First domesticated in the Near East, pea has been cultivated in Europe since the Stone and Bronze Ages. In this study, we present a molecular analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) extracted from carbonized pea seeds recovered from deposits at Hissar, in southeast Serbia, that date to the eleventh century B.C. Four selected chloroplast DNA loci (trnSG, trnK, matK and rbcL) amplified in six fragments of 128–340 bp with a total length of 1,329 bp were successfully recovered in order to distinguish between cultivated and wild gathered pea. Based on identified mutations, the results showed that genuine aDNA was analyzed. Moreover, DNA analysis resulted in placing the ancient sample at an intermediate position between extant cultivated [Pisum sativum L. and wild P. sativum subsp. elatius (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Asch. et Graebn.]. Consequently, based on a combination of morphological and molecular data, we concluded that the material represents an early domesticated pea. We speculate that Iron Age pea would be of colored flower and pigmented testa, similar to today’s fodder pea (P. sativum subsp. sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir.), possibly of winter type. This is the first report of successful aDNA extraction and analysis from any legume species thus far. The implications for pea domestication are discussed here.