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Complex Ancient Genetic Structure and Cultural Transitions in Southern African Populations.
Francesco Montinaro1, George B J Busby2, Miguel Gonzalez-Santos3
1Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK francesco.montinaro@gmail.com.
Genetics
|November 14, 2016
Summary
Genetic studies reveal an ancient, Khoesan-related structure in southern African populations, primarily shaped by geography and isolation-by-distance, not language or subsistence. This highlights complex admixture patterns in the region.
Area of Science:
- Population genetics
- Human ancestry
- Southern African anthropology
Background:
- Southern African genetic diversity arises from complex admixture and cultural contact over the last 2000 years.
- Previous investigations include genetic, medical, linguistic, archaeological, and anthropological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic ancestry profiles of southern African populations.
- To identify the underlying genetic structure and its correlation with geographical, linguistic, and subsistence factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1856 individuals from 91 populations, utilizing novel and published genotype data.
- Application of local ancestry and allele frequency-based analyses.
- Fine-mapping of genetic components within southern African populations.
Main Results:
- Identification of a tripartite, ancient, Khoesan-related genetic structure.
- This genetic structure correlates strongly with geography, indicating isolation-by-distance dynamics.
- Admixture and cultural reversion observed in Khoesan groups; distinct ancestry mixtures found in Bantu speakers and Coloured individuals.
Conclusions:
- Geography, rather than linguistic affiliation or subsistence strategy, is the primary determinant of the ancient Khoesan-related genetic structure in southern Africa.
- The study reveals complex patterns of admixture and potential cultural reversion among Khoesan populations.
- Bantu speakers and Coloured individuals exhibit varied mixtures of these ancient southern African ancestries.
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