Early Neolithic genomes from the eastern Fertile Crescent

Area of Science:

• Ancient DNA analysis
• Population genetics
• Neolithic studies

Background:

• The Fertile Crescent, particularly the Zagros region of Iran, is a key area for understanding the origins of agriculture.
• Investigating the genetic landscape of early farming populations is crucial for reconstructing human migration and admixture events.

Observation:

• Sequencing of Early Neolithic genomes from the Zagros region identified a previously uncharacterized ancient population.
• This population is genetically distinct from the early farmers of Anatolia and shows limited contribution to modern European ancestry.

Findings:

• The Zagros population diverged from Anatolian Early Neolithic farmers between 46,000 and 77,000 years ago.
• Genetic affinities were observed with modern Pakistani, Afghan, and notably, Iranian Zoroastrian populations.
• This suggests multiple, genetically distinct groups adopted farming in Southwest Asia.

Implications:

• Pre-Neolithic population structures influenced the genetic makeup of farming communities as agriculture spread.
• The Zagros region served as a significant center for the eastward expansion of farming populations.
• Understanding ancient population dynamics is key to interpreting the spread of agriculture and its genetic legacy.