New Atlas by Michael Irving 10/28/2019
The evolutionary history of humans is a murky one that’s full of gaps, but now researchers from Australia and South Africa claim to have plugged one of these plot holes. Combining studies of genetics, geology and climate history, the scientists say they’ve identified what could be called the “homeland†of modern humans – a vast, ancient wetland system in southern Africa.
Generally speaking, we have the broad strokes of our history worked out. Anatomically-modern humans arose in Africa between 300,000 and 200,000 years ago, before spreading into Eurasia and eventually all around the world. But exactly where and when we first appeared is a matter of debate.
Although fossil evidence remains a crucial part of how we piece the story together, it isn’t the only way. Many gaps can be filled in with DNA studies, and in particular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This is the information stored in the mitochondria, the structure that generates energy for cells. Unlike regular (or nuclear) DNA, mtDNA evolves extremely slowly, meaning it’s great at preserving ancient lineages.
“Mitochondrial DNA acts like a time capsule of our ancestral mothers, accumulating changes slowly over generations,†says Vanessa Hayes, lead author of the study. “Comparing the complete DNA code, or mitogenome, from different individuals provides information on how closely they are related.â€
More:
https://newatlas.com/science/dna-study-human-homeland-southern-african-wetland/