Ancient DNA (aDNA) extraction from the jawbone of a Neanderthal (H. sapiens neanderthalensis)
DNA has been recovered from fossil remains of humans and human relatives, including dozens of Neanderthals and Denisovans, and so-called "Hobbits" (Homo floresiensis). Obstacles include contamination of fossil material with contemporary DNA, human or otherwise. One method is to use dental equipment to extract tissue from teeth. aDNA has also been used to explore the ancestry of Beothuck Newfoundlanders.