How was Europe Repopulated After the Ice Age?

Scientists are answering this question through DNA analysis.  During the last Ice Age, most humans were concentrated in two principle areas:  the "Franco-Cantabrian" area, located in curent day northern Spain/southern France, and the "Periglacial province", located in current day Ukranian Plains.  It is generally accepted that humans from these two populations later moved up into Europe to repopulate the area after the Ice Age, nineteen thousand years ago.



Dr. Maria Pala and other scientist from the University of Hudderfield, UK, have analyzed large quantities of mitochondrial DNA from these two groups of humans, whom share a common genetic ancestor.  Their data shows evidence of the two tribes moving into Europe much earlier than previously believed, at the end of the last ice age.  Through this study, the University of Hudderfield has become a key center for archaeo-genetic research.

This research is outlined in the May 2012 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.  This is a major breakthrough in the study of archaeo-genetics.  I think this article show the significane of what we can learn from genetic studies, especially about our past.  It is amazing what we can learn from ancient DNA!!!