Y Chromosome Evidence of Early Human Settlement in East Asia
Author Information
Author(s): Shi Hong, Zhong Hua, Peng Yi, Dong Yong-Li, Qi Xue-Bin, Zhang Feng, Liu Lu-Fang, Tan Si-Jie, Ma Runlin Z, Xiao Chun-Jie, Wells R Spencer, Jin Li, Su Bing
Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hypothesis
Did the D-M174 Y chromosome lineage represent an independent Paleolithic migration of modern humans in East Asia?
Conclusion
The D-M174 lineage has a southern origin and its northward expansion occurred about 60,000 years ago, predating other major East Asian lineages.
Supporting Evidence
- The D-M174 lineage is found at high frequencies in Tibet, Japan, and the Andaman Islands.
- The study suggests that D-M174 represents an ancient lineage of modern humans in East Asia.
- Results indicate a deep divergence between northern and southern populations.
- The findings support the idea of an independent Paleolithic migration of modern humans in East Asia.
Takeaway
Scientists studied DNA from over 5,000 men in East Asia to learn about ancient human migrations, finding that a specific Y chromosome lineage originated in the south and spread north long ago.
Methodology
The study involved collecting and analyzing Y chromosome data from 5,134 male samples across 73 populations in East Asia.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by the geographic and demographic limitations of the sampled populations.
Participant Demographics
The study included unrelated male samples from various East Asian populations, primarily from southern and southwestern China.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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