This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Friday, October 23, 2015

Neolithic-Bronze Age Population Dynamics & Cultural Effects in Eurasia

In June, two studies published in Nature revealed the complexities of ancient Eurasian population genomics and the cultural impacts of population migrations. Both studies found evidence that one group of nomads--the Yamnaya steppe herders--entered Europe around the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, likely bringing with them Proto-Indo-European language. One study found these nomads also brought a light skin variant into Europe, but not lactose tolerance. These researchers suggest that the Yamnaya also spread eastward, into the Altai mountains. These results confirm the cultural similarities (particularly their burial practices and pottery styles) archaeologists have noticed between the Yamnaya and the Bronze Age peoples in the eastern Eurasia. 

Article links: here, and here


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