Our ancestors did something mysterious 23,000 years ago and now we can understand its true impact
Asians made the longest prehistoric migration in human history and shaped the genetic landscape of the Americas, according to a study led by NTU Singapore.
Prehistory continues to fascinate us with its lasting impact today. It helps us understand certain situations and behaviors — anthropology is always present. While behavior has evolved somewhat, our essence and genetic heritage remain.
According to Finnish outlet Tieteen Kuvalehti, “by comparing the genetic differences and similarities between individuals and populations, we can reconstruct ancient migrations and relationships,” explained researcher Kim Hie Lim from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Researchers analyzed the long-distance migration of Homo sapiens using what’s known as genetic sequencing, which maps the base pairs of an organism’s genetic material. This way, they discovered how the ancestors of Native Americans migrated from Central Asia through Alaska all the way to Chilean Patagonia.
No apps, no proper clothing, no maps, no GPS, no one to validate their effort, no reward beyond the hope of survival — to eat, to sleep, to care for their families. A 20,000-kilometer journey that lasted 9,000 years, it must be said.
These expeditions into South America split into four groups, each adapting to different climates: from the Andes Mountains to tropical jungles, one group settled in the desert, and others in the frigid region of Patagonia. Each with their own preferences and levels of adaptation.
“Our findings highlight the extraordinary adaptability of the early and diverse Indigenous peoples, which allowed them to settle in very different environments,” said lead author Elena Gusareva.
As published in the journal Science, the study’s results enhance researchers’ understanding of genetic adaptability and could be used in the future — for example, in medicine — to develop targeted treatments for specific population groups.
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