Early human populations evolved separately for 100,000 years
Delightful science.
A team of Genographic researchers and their
collaborators have published the most extensive survey to date of African
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Over 600 complete mtDNA genomes from indigenous
populations across the continent were
analyzed…
Doron Behar said: “We see strong evidence of ancient population splits beginning as early as 150,000 years ago, probably giving rise to separate populations localized to Eastern and Southern Africa. It was only around 40,000 years ago that they became part of a single pan-African population, reunited after as much as 100,000 years apart.”
Recent paleoclimatological data suggests that Eastern Africa went through a series of massive droughts between 135,000-90,000 years ago. It is possible that this climatological shift contributed to the population splits. What is surprising is the length of time the populations were separate - as much as half of our entire history as a species…
Dr. Spencer Wells said: “This new study released today illustrates the extraordinary power of genetics to reveal insights into some of the key events in our species’ history. Tiny bands of early humans, forced apart by harsh environmental conditions, coming back from the brink to reunite and populate the world. Truly an epic drama, written in our DNA.”
Paleontologist Meave Leakey added: “Who would have thought that as recently as 70,000 years ago, extremes of climate had reduced our population to such small numbers that we were on the very edge of extinction.”
Our species survived an environmental threat of extinction when we were as scarce as 2,000 individuals. Now that we number in the billions, I hope we can keep from killing ourselves off - on our own.
Doron Behar said: “We see strong evidence of ancient population splits beginning as early as 150,000 years ago, probably giving rise to separate populations localized to Eastern and Southern Africa. It was only around 40,000 years ago that they became part of a single pan-African population, reunited after as much as 100,000 years apart.”
Recent paleoclimatological data suggests that Eastern Africa went through a series of massive droughts between 135,000-90,000 years ago. It is possible that this climatological shift contributed to the population splits. What is surprising is the length of time the populations were separate - as much as half of our entire history as a species…
Dr. Spencer Wells said: “This new study released today illustrates the extraordinary power of genetics to reveal insights into some of the key events in our species’ history. Tiny bands of early humans, forced apart by harsh environmental conditions, coming back from the brink to reunite and populate the world. Truly an epic drama, written in our DNA.”
Paleontologist Meave Leakey added: “Who would have thought that as recently as 70,000 years ago, extremes of climate had reduced our population to such small numbers that we were on the very edge of extinction.”
Our species survived an environmental threat of extinction when we were as scarce as 2,000 individuals. Now that we number in the billions, I hope we can keep from killing ourselves off - on our own.
Posted: Sat - April 26, 2008 at 02:24 PM