The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, have seen human presence for more than a millennium before European contact in the 14th century. This study presents the first comprehensive genetic analysis of archaeological lentils recovered from ancient grain silos carved into volcanic bedrock on the island of Gran Canaria. These silos, inaccessible and preserved within arid conditions, offered a unique preservation environment, allowing DNA to remain intact in seeds dating back over a thousand years. Such preservation is rare and provides a direct genetic link between ancestral crops and their modern descendants.

By sequencing ancient DNA extracted from these archaeological lentils, the research team compared it with DNA from lentils currently grown across various islands in the Canaries, parts of Spain, and Morocco. The findings confirm that the lentils cultivated today share genetic continuity with those brought by indigenous peoples from North Africa around the second century CE. This suggests that human-mediated domestication and crop dissemination coincided with early island colonization processes. The sustained cultivation of this particular lentil variety underlines a sophisticated adaptation strategy to local environmental constraints.

One of the remarkable outcomes of the study is the evidence showing that the same type of lentils present almost two millennia ago continues to be grown on the islands. This persistence is especially significant given the demographic upheavals following European colonization when indigenous populations sharply declined. However, the agricultural practices and crops appear to have been adopted by subsequent settlers, epitomizing a cultural transmission of agricultural knowledge and genetic resources despite colonial disruptions.

The researchers propose two main factors for the long-term survival of these lentils. First, the intrinsic adaptation of these varieties to the hot, arid Canary Islands climate likely provided a selective advantage, favoring their resilience through centuries of environmental variability. Second, socio-cultural dynamics may have played a pivotal role. Oral traditions, particularly among indigenous and later islander women, who maintained specialized botanical knowledge, may have been critical in preserving cultivation practices and seed stock. This gendered knowledge transmission underscores the complex intertwining of human culture and crop domestication.

Beyond historical interest, the study has significant implications for contemporary agriculture and climate change adaptation. Lentils cultivated in the Canaries have uniquely adapted to withstand dry and warm conditions, traits increasingly essential under current global climate stressors. Preserving and characterizing the genetic diversity of lentils from various Canary Islands is therefore vital. These genetic resources could provide blueprints for breeding programs aiming to enhance drought tolerance and climate resilience in legume crops worldwide.

Intriguingly, the study also disentangles the cultural and genetic background of the so-called “Lenteja tipo Lanzarote” lentils, a term commonly seen on Spanish market shelves. Contrary to assumptions about their origin, these lentils are not grown on the island of Lanzarote itself but are associated with quality and tradition. Through genetic comparisons, researchers detected evidence of crossbreeding between lentils from Lanzarote and those on the Spanish mainland, indicating ongoing gene flow and regional crop exchanges that have shaped modern lentil populations.

This research exemplifies how ancient DNA studies can illuminate not only the biological evolution of crops but also complex human-plant interactions. The ability to trace lineage, migration, and cultivation strategies over nearly two millennia opens new avenues for understanding agricultural heritage and its conservation. The study harnessed advanced genomic sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, utilizing Sweden’s National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputers (NAISS) to analyze extensive genetic datasets, reflecting the growing integration of computational biology in archaeological research.

Furthermore, the study reiterates the importance of indigenous and local knowledge systems in fostering biodiversity and sustainability. It highlights how cultural practices can influence plant evolution, seed selection, and agricultural resilience over centuries. These insights advocate for inclusive approaches in agricultural development, recognizing that heritage crops and traditional knowledge are critical elements to address future food security challenges.

The combination of archaeological context, cutting-edge genetic analysis, and ethnobotanical perspectives in this study offers a comprehensive view of lentil cultivation’s past, present, and future in the Canary Islands. As global agriculture faces challenges from climate change, studies like this underscore the urgency of conserving genetic diversity and revitalizing ancient crops with proven environmental adaptability.

The full findings are published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, titled “Ancient DNA from lentils (Lens culinaris) illuminates human – plant – culture interactions in the Canary Islands.” The research was supported by the European Research Council and the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, emphasizing international collaboration at the forefront of archaeological science.

This study not only redefines the history of lentil cultivation but also bridges past agricultural wisdom with modern scientific efforts to create resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide. With lentils being one of the world’s most important legume crops, this research opens promising pathways for breeding climate-adapted varieties and appreciating the intertwined legacy of human societies and their staple plants.

Subject of Research: Ancient DNA analysis of archaeological lentils (Lens culinaris) to trace human-plant interactions and crop evolution in the Canary Islands

Article Title: Ancient DNA from lentils (Lens culinaris) illuminates human – plant – culture interactions in the Canary Islands

News Publication Date: 12-Sep-2025

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2025.106360

Image Credits: Charlotte Perhammar/Linköping University

Keywords: Ancient DNA, lentils, Canary Islands, archaeology, crop genetics, climate adaptation, agricultural history, plant breeding, genetic diversity, human-plant interaction, Lens culinaris, drought tolerance

Nishinoshima, part of the Ogasawara archipelago located approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo’s mainland, is a site of active volcanism, with significant eruptions reshaping its landscape and biota repeatedly. The 2013 eruption drastically devastated the island’s plant life, effectively erasing established communities and allowing scientists a rare opportunity to trace the recolonization and genetic history of species such as common purslane that arrive on the island post-eruption. This cyclical destruction and regeneration create a unique natural laboratory to understand early-stage ecosystem assembly and evolutionary dynamics under isolation and disturbance regimes.

Led by Professor Koji Takayama, previously affiliated with Kyoto University and now at Tokyo Metropolitan University, the team analyzed plant samples collected from Nishinoshima shortly before a 2019 eruption permanently decimated the local purslane population. The study incorporated a comprehensive genetic comparison using 254 individual samples collected across 51 populations from the Japanese mainland to Guam, encompassing a wide geographic range that facilitated a robust phylogeographic framework for differentiation and origin tracing.

Employing both chloroplast genome sequencing and extensive nuclear DNA genotyping, researchers constructed a detailed phylogenetic tree elucidating the evolutionary relationships within Portulaca oleracea populations. Their analysis conclusively established that Nishinoshima’s population was genetically most proximate to populations on Chichijima, another volcanic island within the Ogasawara chain. Yet, despite this close relationship, distinctive genetic characteristics were identified, emphasizing unique evolutionary trajectories attributed to the island’s isolation and the stochastic nature of colonization events.

One of the most salient discoveries was the pronounced founder effect observed in the Nishinoshima purslane population. This evolutionary phenomenon, where new populations arise from a small number of colonizing individuals, leads to reduced genetic variation and distinct allele frequencies compared to source populations. This effect underscores how even minuscule propagule sizes can dramatically influence genetic divergence and adaptation pathways in isolated environments, especially those subject to recurrent catastrophic disturbances like volcanic eruptions.

Seeds of common purslane, being diminutive (less than one millimeter) and possessing a flat, oblate morphology, are inherently well-suited for dispersal via abiotic and biotic vectors, including wind, water currents, and avian carriers. However, the strength of the founder effect, alongside evidence for genetic drift amidst these island populations, suggests that successful colonization is an exceedingly rare and stochastic event. This indicates that physical dispersal capabilities do not necessarily translate into frequent or reliable establishment on harsh, unpredictable terrains such as those of Nishinoshima.

Genetic drift, a mechanism causing random fluctuations in allele frequencies independent of selective pressures, emerged as a dominant force shaping the genetic structure of this population. Given the island’s vulnerability to typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and other environmental perturbations, genetic drift rather than natural selection appeared to be the principal driver behind observed genetic changes. This insight complicates classical views of adaptation by highlighting the role of chance events in evolutionary trajectories during early colonization phases.

The implications of these findings extend beyond a single plant species or island ecosystem, offering a valuable model for understanding how ecosystems assemble, evolve, and recover following major natural disturbances. The study captures a dynamic snapshot of genetic colonization under extreme conditions, revealing processes that are foundational to biodiversity formation and maintenance in isolated and frequently disturbed habitats. This knowledge could inform conservation strategies aiming to preserve or restore species diversity in similarly volatile environments worldwide.

Furthermore, the study illustrates the pivotal role of phylogenetics and modern genomic tools in resolving questions about species origin and population dynamics in cryptic or transient populations. By integrating chloroplast and nuclear genetic data, the researchers achieved a multi-layered perspective on the evolutionary history and demographic events that traditional morphological or limited genetic markers might overlook, thus pushing forward the frontier of island evolutionary biology.

This research underscores the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of pioneer species like Portulaca oleracea, which despite frequent extinction events, continually reestablish themselves through rare but effective long-distance dispersal and colonization. Investigations into such species deepen our comprehension of how life persists and diversifies against a backdrop of environmental stochasticity and geological upheaval, enriching our understanding of the fundamental principles that govern biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

As volcanic islands like Nishinoshima serve as microcosms for the study of evolutionary forces, this work contributes significantly to the emerging field of disturbance ecology and its genetic underpinnings. Exploring how founder effects, genetic drift, and limited gene flow collectively fashion new populations lends crucial perspective to global patterns of species distribution, phylogeography, and the consequences of habitat destruction and renewal under climate change.

Finally, the findings provide a cautionary note on the fragility and transience of island populations under natural disaster regimes and the importance of monitoring genetic diversity as an indicator of ecosystem health and resilience. With further research, the principles uncovered here could guide efforts to anticipate the vulnerabilities and recovery potentials of island biotas facing escalating natural and anthropogenic disturbances in the 21st century.

Subject of Research: Phylogenetic origin and genetic evolution of Portulaca oleracea populations on an active volcanic island
Article Title: Origin of populations of Portulaca oleracea on Nishinoshima, an active volcanic oceanic island
News Publication Date: 28-Jul-2025
Web References: DOI link
Image Credits: Tokyo Metropolitan University
Keywords: Habitat diversity, Plant genetics, Volcanic eruptions, Genetic drift, Phylogenetic analysis, Gene identification, Evolutionary biology, Biodiversity, Natural disasters, Seed dispersal, Species distribution

Hydrothermal vents, traditionally associated with deep-sea environments where sunlight fails to penetrate, are a critical feature of oceanic ecosystems. These vents discharge super-heated, acidic fluids laden with reduced chemical compounds such as sulfur and other minerals directly into surrounding waters. In deep-sea systems, these emissions serve as the primary energy source supporting intricate communities through chemosynthesis, a process independent of photosynthesis. Remarkably, similar venting activity occurs at comparatively shallow depths near Kueishantao, with hydrothermal plumes rising through waters only around ten meters deep. The physical and chemical characteristics of these systems create an unusual milieu where biological adaptation and biogeochemical cycling intertwine in complex ways.

The waters around Kueishantao are infused with high concentrations of sulfur and other reactive compounds sourced through hydrothermal activity. These inputs alter the seawater’s pH drastically, rendering the local marine environment highly acidic and rich in dissolved minerals. Despite the seemingly hostile chemical conditions, Kueishantao’s hydrothermal vents support a thriving biosphere dominated by microorganisms adapted to exploit the energy-rich chemical substrates available. Contrary to expectations, these acidic vents teem with microbial life that harnesses unique metabolic pathways to convert inorganic carbon into organic biomass, underpinning the broader food web.

At the heart of this microbial community lies a group of bacteria known as Campylobacteria. These microorganisms capitalize on an energy-efficient carbon fixation cycle known as the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle (rTCA cycle). Unlike the more ubiquitous Calvin cycle employed by most photosynthetic organisms, the rTCA cycle circumvents several energy-intensive enzymatic steps, allowing these bacteria to thrive in energy-limited environments. This efficiency confers a remarkable metabolic advantage under the energetic constraints imposed by shallow hydrothermal systems, enabling Campylobacteria to dominate primary production amid intense chemical and thermal gradients.

The rTCA cycle facilitates the conversion of inorganic carbon dioxide into organic compounds with significantly lower ATP investment compared to conventional cycles. Through a series of reductive carboxylation reactions, this biochemical pathway efficiently assimilates carbon into precursor molecules for cellular biomass. This process becomes pivotal in the hydrothermal vent ecosystem of Kueishantao, where sunlight-driven photosynthesis is insufficient or absent, and energy availability relies heavily on chemical reductants. By utilizing the rTCA cycle, Campylobacteria act as indispensable primary producers, initiating carbon flow through an ecosystem sustained by chemical energy rather than solar radiation.

Researchers have employed sophisticated isotope ratio analyses to elucidate the pathways of carbon fixation and transfer within the Kueishantao hydrothermal system. Isotopic signatures reveal that carbon fixed via the rTCA cycle is not confined to microbial biomass but is transferred into higher trophic levels, including local fauna such as crabs inhabiting the vent fields. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough in understanding how chemosynthetically derived carbon permeates marine food webs, underscoring the ecological importance of these shallow-water hydrothermal habitats as active sites of carbon cycling and energy transfer.

The implications of such findings extend beyond local ecosystem dynamics, providing critical insights into global biogeochemical cycles. Shallow hydrothermal vents like those at Kueishantao may contribute substantially to carbon processing in coastal oceans, a realm historically overshadowed by deep-sea vent studies. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms that govern carbon assimilation and transfer in these systems aids in constructing more comprehensive models of the marine carbon cycle, which is integral to predicting Earth system responses to environmental changes such as ocean acidification and climate variability.

This research forms a vital component of the broader scientific endeavor conducted under the auspices of the Cluster “The Ocean Floor – Earth’s Uncharted Interface,” an initiative aimed at unraveling the complexities of ocean-floor ecosystems facing dynamic environmental conditions. By integrating geological, chemical, and biological perspectives, this program strives to elucidate how interfacial processes between the seafloor and overlying waters govern ecosystem structure, elemental cycling, and ultimately Earth system functioning. Studies of shallow hydrothermal systems contribute key data and conceptual advances toward these objectives.

Technological advancements in isotopic analysis and in situ sampling have been instrumental in enabling this research. Precise measurements of carbon isotope ratios facilitate the tracing of metabolic pathways and the connectivity of organisms within hydrothermal communities. Such detailed biochemical insights were previously unattainable, thus the emerging data from Kueishantao hydrothermal vents represent a milestone in marine microbial ecology and geochemistry. The combination of field studies and laboratory analyses continues to shed light on the adaptive strategies of extremophiles, with potential ramifications for biotechnology and our understanding of life’s resilience.

The biogeochemical uniqueness of the Kueishantao hydrothermal system also challenges preconceived boundaries of habitability in marine environments. The coexistence of extreme acidity, elevated temperatures, and fluctuating chemical fluxes creates a habitat that supports life while pushing organisms toward metabolic specialization. These systems serve as natural laboratories for studying evolutionary adaptation, metabolic innovation, and the interplay between Earth’s geology and biology. Such findings deepen our appreciation for the diversity and complexity of life in extremis, expanding the horizons of marine science.

Furthermore, understanding carbon fluxes and energy transfer in these vent ecosystems is crucial when assessing their role in the broader ocean system, especially under anthropogenic pressures. Coastal marine ecosystems are increasingly impacted by pollution, warming, and acidification. The resilience and functional contributions of hydrothermal vent communities, including carbon sequestration and nutrient transformations, might influence the stability and productivity of adjacent marine habitats. Consequently, studies like this one enrich ecosystem management frameworks and contribute to sustainable environmental stewardship.

The study’s findings also resonate with planetary science and astrobiology disciplines, where the search for life in extraterrestrial oceans often revolves around analogs to Earth’s hydrothermal systems. Understanding how life can flourish in chemically extreme but energy-rich environments informs hypotheses regarding potential habitability on icy moons such as Europa or Enceladus. The metabolic flexibility exemplified by Campylobacteria’s utilization of the rTCA cycle broadens the biochemical possibilities for life in analogous extraterrestrial settings, opening new frontiers in the quest to identify life beyond Earth.

Ultimately, the meticulous exploration of the Kueishantao hydrothermal vents reveals that energy-efficient biochemical pathways empower microorganisms to thrive in conditions previously assumed too hostile to sustain complex ecosystems. This capacity for carbon fixation and subsequent trophic transfer drives vibrant biological communities in shallow yet extreme marine environments. As research unravels these intricate interactions, it elucidates fundamental processes shaping marine ecosystems and contributes crucial knowledge toward addressing global environmental challenges.

Subject of Research: Energy-efficient biochemical carbon fixation and trophic transfer in shallow-water hydrothermal vent ecosystems

Article Title: The energy-efficient reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle drives carbon uptake and transfer to higher trophic levels within the Kueishantao shallow-water hydrothermal system

News Publication Date: 15-Apr-2025

Web References: DOI: 10.5194/bg-22-1853-2025

Image Credits: MARUM – Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen; S. Bühring

Keywords: Carbon cycle, Marine life, Microorganisms, Hydrothermal vents, Islands, Climate systems, Hydrological cycle, Sea floor, Earth systems science, Marine ecology, Marine geology, Oceans