ABSTRACT
Biological anthropologists, or anyone else interested in the subject of archaeology, can pick up one of any number of books on the subject, including Archaeology for Dummies (White 2008). Granted, they could not, after reading the book, go out and undertake an archaeological excavation. They could, however, grasp key concepts such as stratigraphy, dating, and practical methods, such as why archaeologists dig square holes. They would even be introduced to some of the basic theoretical perspectives in the field. To our knowledge, there is no equivalent book, written for nonspecialists, on DNA applications in Anthropology. Our goal in writing this book was to provide such a primer—aimed primarily at archaeologists—so that they can be critical consumers of studies using DNA to address questions about human history. In addition to providing information on some of the basics of DNA, methods of analysis, processes, and issues that must be considered in both modern and aDNA studies, we have also, we hope, provided an overview of the various applications of DNA that might excite archaeologists and inspire more collaboration with DNA researchers.
