Problem:
If the discovery of Ötzi had taken place in 1891 rather than 1991, the way his remains were handled and the research that could be done would have been very different. Identify and describe one modern analysis/technique that has been performed to learn more about Ötzi that could not have been done in the 1800s.
It stands to reason that researchers in 2091 will have more technologies at their disposal to research a discovery like Ötzi. Should research on his remains be limited today so that he can be preserved and studied in the future?
Provide one pro and one con of conducting research now rather than waiting. Discuss one benefit and one negative of putting research off until a much later date.
Advances in biotechnology have revolutionized the study of ancient remains. In Ötzi's case, a genetic study showed that his DNA most closely matched up with people that currently live in Sardinia. One hypothesis for this is that at Ötzi's time, a group of people with similar DNA spread throughout Europe including Sardinia. Sardinia is somewhat isolated so the DNA of the population living there has changed very little since that time. On mainland Europe, where his remains were found, there was more mixing of populations so there have been changes to the DNA profiles of the people living in that region.
Based on the genetic results, do you think Ötzi should be considered Sardinian even though he lived in the Alps? Why or why not?
Today you can have your DNA sampled and you can learn more about which genetic groups you are most closely matched to - just like was done with Ötzi. Is this something you would be interested in knowing? Why or why not?