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July 8 (UPI) – After analyzing ancient DNA samples, scientists now have a little more clarity on how early humans arrived in Southeast Asia
. were not agreed on the first population of Southeast Asia. Some researchers believe that an indigenous group of hunter-gatherers, called Hòabìnhian, developed their own farming practices 44,000 years ago. Others have argued that hunter-gatherers have been replaced by rice farmers who have migrated from what is now China.
Now, an analysis of 26 old DNA samples, collected from human remains in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, and Japan, suggests that both groups are mistaken. Some of the DNA fragments tested were dated 8,000 years ago. Until now, the oldest tested samples were 4,000 years old
The results of the genetic survey, published in the journal Science, suggest a link between the Hòabìnhian people and the Jomon people of prehistoric Japan .
"Eske Willerslev, a professor at the University of Cambridge, said in a press release that" the huge amount of DNA from tropical Southeast Asia could shed new light on this rich human genetics ". "The fact that we could get 26 human genomes and shed light on the incredible genetic wealth of the groups in the region 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 new DNA samples are retrieved from ancient human remains
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