We have sediment samples from several caves in Norway spanning the past 10 000 years. Some of these sites were used intensively by people in the past, as shelter or as places for ritual purposes, other caves were visited more infrequently. We also continue to excavate new sites and collect new samples. Combining sedimentary ancient DNA with pollen analyses we are interested in studying the diversity of plants preserved at these sites. Using radiocarbond dating and by comparing this data to the faunal diversity and archaeology we aim to increase our understanding of human plant use during the Holocene and the role plants may have played in early societies and livelihoods in Norway.
If you are interested in ancient DNA, human behaviour and/or plants, come and have a chat!
For more information please contact Sanne Boessenkool