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July 6 (UPI) – After analyzing ancient DNA samples, scientists now have a little more clarity on how early humans arrived in Southeast Asia.
first populated. Some researchers believe that an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers, called Hòabìnhian, developed their own farming practices 44,000 years ago. Others argue that hunter-gatherers have been replaced by rice farmers who have migrated from present-day China.
Now, an analysis of 26 samples of old DNA collected in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Japan. suggests that both groups are mistaken. Some DNA fragments tested were dated 8,000 years ago. Until now, the oldest samples tested were 4000 years old
The results of the genetic survey, published this week in the journal Science, suggest a link between the Hòabìnhian people and the Jomon people of the Prehistoric Japan.
We have put a lot of effort into recovering ancient DNA from tropical Southeast Asia that could shed new light on this rich human genetics, "said Eske Willerslev, professor at the University of Cambridge. "The fact that we could get 26 human genomes and shed light on the incredible genetic wealth of the region's groups today is amazing."
The latest discoveries undermine the primacy of the two competing theories. The settlement of Southeast Asia was a complex process, with up to four different ancient populations contributing to the genetic history of the region.
"It's a much more complex model than previously thought," says Fernando Racimo, a geneticist at the University. Scientists hope to continue unraveling the mysteries of the genetic history of Southeast Asia as more and more DNA samples are retrieved from old-timers human remains
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