Scientists have sequenced genomes from 7,100 to 1,400 years ago in Yunnan, China, revealing new insights into the cultural links between Tibet and South and Southeast Asia. The study found that ancient humans from this region had a previously unknown Asian ancestry, distinct from most present-day people living in East Asia.
The 7,100-year-old individual’s genome showed surprising genetic differences compared to modern East Asians, similar to those of a 40,000-year-old individual found in Beijing. This discovery suggests an early Asian population separated at least 40,000 years ago and persisted in southwestern China before mingling with other human groups.
Further analysis of Yunnan genomes from 5,100 to 1,400 years ago revealed that this population split from northern and southern groups in East Asia around 19,000 years ago. The study also found a close genetic relationship between the ancient Yunnan samples and Austroasiatic-speaking people.
The presence of Austroasiatic-related individuals in central Yunnan predates farming, making it the oldest evidence of this group’s populations. This discovery could help explain the origin of the Austroasiatic languages spoken by over 100 million people in Southeast and South Asia today.
The study highlights the genetic diversity of East Asia, which is among the most diverse human populations worldwide.
Source: https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/archaeology/ancient-human-genome-asia-groups