Pollen assemblage and environmental DNA changes: A 4300-year-old bat guano deposit from Jamaica

Link to Full Text

Download Full Text

Publication Date

8-30-2020

Publication Title

Quaternary International

Volume Number

558

Abstract

The discovery of two undisturbed caves in Jamaica with 14C and 210Pb dating indicating that the oldest layers of guano were ca. 200 years old in the first cave (81 cm long core), and as much as 4300 years old in the second cave (129 cm long core) provides exciting possibilities to examine past ecological communities. We analyzed genetic and pollen profiles in these ancient bat guano deposits and revealed DNA sequences most similar to arthropods, mainly insects such as caddisflies (Trichoptera), butterflies (Lepidoptera) and mayflies (Ephemeroptera), suggesting a potential source for past dietary data. Palynological analysis failed to recover well-preserved pollen grains and spores older than ca. 200 years, however in layers preserving pollen, angiosperms were the most abundant plants observed, with a regular occurrence of the potato (Solanaceae) and pepper families (Piperaceae), which are frequently bat-dispersed. In general, changes in frequency of particular plant taxa appear to reflect changes of vegetation and land use in the cave vicinity; however, some changes could be linked to hurricanes, leading to forest canopy damage and promoting the growth of light-demanding species such as guarumo (Cecropia). Higher amounts of mangrove (Rhizophora) pollen have also been recorded in the periods of heavy hurricane activities. Our data highlight the value of bat guano deposits in caves as a resource for the analysis of past ecological systems and stress the conservation values of these deposits.

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2020.09.003

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS