Southeast Asians descend from four ancient populations

London, Jul. 8 Southeast Asians originate from at least four different ancient populations, say scientists who analyzed DNA extracted from 8,000-year-old skeletons and debunked two existing theories on the origin of humans in the region. is one of the most genetically different regions of the world, but for more than 100 years, scientists have disagreed on the theory of the origin of the region's population.

One theory believed that native Hoobinhian hunter-gatherers 44,000 years ago, Southeast Asia adopted independent farming practices, without the input of the first farmers of Asia from the East.

Another theory, called the "two – layer model," supports the idea that migrating rice farmers from what is now China are replacing the indigenous Hoabinhian hunter – gatherers.

A study published in the journal Science shows that completely accurate. The researchers found that current populations in Southeast Asia are derived from at least four older populations.

The DNA of skeletal human remains from Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Japan dates back to 8000 years ago. excerpt for the study.

Scientists had previously managed to sequence only 4,000-year-old samples from the region.

Samples also included Hoabinhian hunter-gatherer DNA and a Japanese Jomon – a first scientist, revealing a suspected genetic link between the two populations.

A total of 26 old sequences of the human genome were studied by the group. "We have put a lot of effort into recovering old DNA from tropical Southeast Asia that could shed new light on this rich human genetics," said Eske Willerslev. who holds positions at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

"The fact that we were able to obtain 26 human genomes and shed light on the incredible genetic wealth of the groups in the region today is amazing," said Willerslev, who led the group's research. ;study.

"The history of human occupation in Southeast Asia remains largely debated: our research focused on the Hoabinhians in the Iron Age and discovered that current populations of 39, Southeast Asia are derived from at least four ancient populations. "Said Fernando Racimo, assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen.