Klondike sedaDNA associated with Dawson Tephra
We uses sedimentary ancient DNA to investigate the long-term ecological and genetic impacts of Dawson tephra deposition on a mammoth steppe ecosystem of Late Pleistocene eastern Beringia that is 1700 km away from the source volcano. We used a target capture approach to compare plant and animal community composition and biodiversity before and after the ashfall in three sites from the Klondike gold fields region of Yukon Territory, Canada. This study showcases sedaDNA as a tool for investigating both paleoecological and demographic questions and provides an additional perspective on the impact of ancient eruptions on steppe ecosystems.