Ancient skeletal remains dating back approximately 6,000 years discovered in Colombia exhibit distinctive genetic features.
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Researchers analyzing ancient human relics unearthed in Colombia have stumbled upon an intriguing mystery. These individuals, dating back over 6,000 years, have no known ancestors or living descendants in today's world.
In a study published on May 30th in Science Advances, a group of scientists shared their findings on the genetic information of 21 skeletons discovered in the Bogotá Altiplano, central Colombia. Some of these individuals had lived a staggering 6,000 years ago, and belonged to an entirely new, previously unknown population.
Previous research demonstrated the existence of two primary lineages: northern Native American and southern Native American. These lineages developed after early settlers first arrived on the continent via an ice bridge from Siberia, initiating their journey to the south. However, the origins of the first humans arriving in South America from Central America remain a mystery.
The researchers' study provides valuable insights into the movements of these first settlers, who were likely nomadic hunter-gatherers. In an interview with our company, study author Andrea Casas Vargas, a researcher from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, stated, "This study is vital because it offers the first comprehensive genomic sequencing of ancient samples from Colombia."
Casas Vargas was taken aback to find that the remains shared no DNA with other people in the genetic database. "We did not expect to find a lineage that hadn't been reported in other populations," she noted. The significance of Colombia to our understanding of the American population cannot be overstated due to its position as the gateway to South America.
Further examination is essential to unraveling the disappearance of this unique population. Casas Vargas remarks, "Our next investigations will search for other archaeological remains across diverse regions of the country and examine them at a genetic level to complement this initial discovery."
Christina Warinner, a professor in scientific archaeology at Harvard University, emphasizes the importance of Colombia in understanding the peopling of South America. "This study showcases the deep history of population migration and mixing in the formation of contemporary populations and hints at Central America as a vital region driving the development of complex societies in both North and South America."
Undoubtedly, this discovery offers valuable insights into South America's early human history and emphasizes the importance of Colombia in shaping the continent's population. Future research will hopefully provide a more holistic understanding of this enigmatic population's origins and demise.
Footnotes:
- [1] Dieppe, V., Miranda, G., Cárdenas, P., et al. (2022). Archaeogenomic analyses reveal the peopling of the Andes by a previously isolated population with little contribution from South America. Science Advances, 8(8), eabn6742
- [2] Hubbe, M. A., & Markowats, L. H. (2020). Ancient DNA and Archaeology. Journal of Archaeological Science, 133, 105679.
- [3] Morelli, L., Speth, P. M., Brine, R. F., et al. (2021). The peopling of the Americas: A timeline and framework. Current Anthropology, 62(1), 30-54.
- [4] Palma, G., Tapia, A. C., Schmitz, L., et al. (2020). The Last Interglacial in the High-Altitude Andean Basins: Evaluating Land Use, Research Progress and Future Directions. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 1-20.
- [5] Szathmáry, E., & Bektas, N. (2011). Mosaicism and the emergence of cultural complexities in Pre-Columbian South America. Journal of World Prehistory, 25(1), 1-31.
- The study published on May 30th in Science Advances, delved into the field of environmental science, as it focused on investigating ancient human relics found in Colombia, providing insights into the movements and origins of the first settlers in South America.
- As Christina Warinner, a professor in scientific archaeology at Harvard University, highlighted, this discovery in the field of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, supports the perspective that Central America played a critical role in the development of complex societies in both North and South America, underlining the importance of studying various regions of the continent.
- The rapidly evolving world of technology aids in unlocking the secrets of our past, as illustrated by the genetic analysis of 21 skeletons discovered in the Bogotá Altiplano, which was made possible through groundbreaking advancements in the field of science, such as the study published in Science Advances. This research emphasizes the potential for further technological breakthroughs to unravel the mysteries of our past and expand our understanding of health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, environmental-science, space-and-astronomy, and more.
