REKONSTRUKTION AV DEN POSTGLACIALA VEGETATIONSHISTORIKEN I CAIRNGORMS: : EN JÄMFÖRANDE STUDIE AV SEDIMENTÄRT FORNTIDA DNA OCH TIDIGARE PALEOBOTANISKA UNDERSÖKNINGAR

This study explores the potential of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) for reconstructing past ecosystems, using sediment samples from Loch Kinord in Scotland. By comparing sedaDNA data with traditional palaeoecological proxies, such as pollen and macrofossil records, the research assesses both the strengths and limitations of this method. Notable discrepancies were observed, including the unexpected presence of subtropical genera (e.g. Erythroxylum and Sequoia), and inconsistent read abundances for key taxa like Pinus. These issues may result from contamination, taxonomic misclassification, or incomplete reference database. Despite these challenges, the study demonstrates the value of sedaDNA as a complementary tool that can enrich, and refine traditional approaches to paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The findings also highlight the need for improved reference libraries, stricter contamination control, and spatially resolved sampling strategies to optimise the reliability of sedaDNA in future paleogenetic research.