Mitochondrial DNA has been a useful tool in tracing groups genetically since it does not get shuffled in the reproductive process. Recently this DNA has been used to study the origins of man including the migration of human kind into the Americas. Geneticist, Antonio Torroni and his team identified the mitochondrial DNA of 14 different native American tribes. The data showed that there had been three major waves of human migration into the Americas. Previous studies used the two types of Native American Dialects to illustrate the migration waves. Since there are two major types on language it was believed that there had been two major waves.
Torroni's study with DNA creates a much more accurate picture and is able to pinpoint three initial groups rather than two. He was also able to tell that the first and second groups interbred. The languages could easily have become combined due to social interaction but the mitochondrial DNA could not change over time as quickly.
From genetic research we can tell that the first wave of migrating humans came from Asia over 15,000 years ago while the 3rd wave came from Canada and Alaska only 4,000 years ago.
A strong understanding of the migration patterns of the earliest humans can help answer many questions about who we are, where we came from and why we are the way we are. These paths can help us better understand our evolution.
Sources: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/352349/description/DNA_reveals_details_of_the_peopling_of_the_Americas
No comments:
Post a Comment