Evolutionary History of Indian Populations from M2 mtDNA Lineage
Author Information
Author(s): Kumar Satish, Padmanabham PBSV, Ravuri Rajasekhara R, Uttaravalli Kiran, Koneru Padmaja, Mukherjee P Aditi, Das B, Kotal M, Xaviour D, Saheb SY, Rao VR
Primary Institution: Anthropological Survey of India
Hypothesis
The study aims to re-evaluate the impact and contribution of the earliest settlers in shaping the genetic diversity and structure of contemporary Indian populations.
Conclusion
The tribes of southern and eastern India, along with Dravidian and Austro-Asiatic speakers of central India, are modern representatives of the earliest settlers of the subcontinent.
Supporting Evidence
- The M2 lineage accounts for approximately one tenth of the mtDNA pool of studied tribes.
- The frequency of M2 is significantly higher in southern India compared to northern regions.
- Demographic events with regional variations have shaped the phylogenetic relationships among Indian populations.
- Tribes of southern and eastern India show the highest frequencies of the M2 lineage.
- The study suggests a decline in the population of earliest settlers coinciding with the advent of agriculture.
Takeaway
This study looks at how the first people to settle in India a long time ago have influenced the genetic makeup of people living there today.
Methodology
The study sequenced 72 complete mitochondrial genomes of the M2 lineage from 16 tribal populations in India.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to all Indian populations due to the focus on specific tribal groups.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 24 tribal populations from various regions of India, representing diverse linguistic affiliations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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