American Journal of Human Genetics: Native Americans Ancestry Altaians
Indigenous Altaians And Native Americans Share Ancestry
A study released recently by the American Journal of Human Genetics provides evidence that Native Americans share ancestry with indigenous Altaians.
ICTMN Staff 2/7/12 | Indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.Com | A genetic study reveals shared ancestry between Native Americans and Indigenous Altaians, highlighting migration from the Altai region to the Americas 20,000+ years ago.
Indigenous Altaians and Native Americans: A Shared Genetic Ancestry
Recent genetic research published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has shed light on the ancient connection between Native Americans and Indigenous Altaians. This study traces their shared ancestry back to the Altai region — an area at the crossroads of modern-day Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. These findings are significant, offering a deeper understanding of human migration and the origins of Native American populations.
The Altai Region: A Cradle of Migration
According to Theodore Schurr, an anthropology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the study’s authors, the Altai region has been a pivotal migratory hub for thousands of years. Around 20,000 to 25,000 years ago, prehistoric humans from this region moved into Siberia. They eventually crossed the Bering land mass, now submerged under the Bering Strait, into the Americas.
This migration event introduced Asian genetic lineages to the Americas and established the foundation for Native American populations. Schurr’s research team aimed to better identify these founding or sister lineages to clarify Native American origins.
Divergence of Lineages
The study estimates that southern Altaian lineages began to diverge from Native American lineages around 13,000 to 14,000 years ago. This timeframe aligns with the broader migration wave from Siberia into the Americas, which is believed to have occurred 15,000 to 20,000 years ago. These findings provide critical evidence for the Bering land bridge migration theory, a topic that has sparked considerable debate in the scientific community.
The Modern Implications of Ancient Connections
Beyond tracing lineage, Schurr’s team is exploring the link between genetic variations and adaptive physiological responses. For example, both Siberian and Native American populations appear to be affected by dietary shifts stemming from Westernization. However, their physiological responses, such as blood pressure regulation and fat metabolism, vary significantly. This research could lead to advances in experimental medicine tailored to specific genetic adaptations.
What This Means for Our Understanding of Human History
The shared ancestry between Indigenous Altaians and Native Americans underscores the interconnectedness of human history. These findings not only illuminate the paths our ancestors took but also provide valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of different populations.
As research continues, we may uncover even more about how early migrations shaped the diverse cultures and peoples of the Americas. This study is a reminder that our histories are deeply intertwined, revealing common threads in humanity’s complex tapestry.
Call to Action:
Interested in learning more about the shared histories of ancient cultures? Stay tuned for updates on groundbreaking genetic research that connects us to our past!
The study says that sometime 20,000 to 25,000 years ago, prehistoric humans from the Altai region brought their Asian lineages up into Siberia and eventually crossed the Bering land mass into the Americas.