US EditionGenetic Study Finds Two Ancient Routes to Australia 60,000 Years Ago
Analysis of 2,456 mitochondrial genomes supports two distinct migration routes to Sahul and aligns genetic dates with archaeological findings around 60,000 years ago.
- Using an unprecedented dataset, the study published Friday in Science Advances analysed 2,456 mitochondrial genomes and found models aligned with a settlement date about 60,000 years ago in Sahul.
- Genetic models historically assumed molecular-clock techniques favored a 'short chronology' , while Indigenous archaeological evidence and Aboriginal knowledge supported a 'long chronology', creating debate.
- Both routes required extensive open-water crossings of around 100 kilometres, with one dispersal tracked via the Philippines and Sulawesi and another through Sunda, while a 1,700-year-old Iron Age burial on Sulawesi shows movement was not strictly one-way.
- The findings bolster `this data supports a really deep heritage for these communities`, Farr said, and study authors support the long chronology linked to Indigenous communities of Australia and New Guinea.
- Researchers are currently analysing hundreds of whole human genome sequences, while authors say ancient DNA recovery could test migration models, though molecular-rate uncertainty persists.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Genetic evidence casts doubt on early colonization timelines in Australia
Researchers at La Trobe University, Australia, and the University of Utah, U.S., report that recent DNA findings challenge claims of a 65,000-year-old human arrival in Sahul—the ancient paleocontinent that existed during the Pleistocene ice age, made up of present-day Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.
DNA analysis suggests first Australians arrived about 60,000 years ago
A new genetic study has found Indigenous Australians travelled over two distinct routes, and 100 kilometres of open water, to reach the ancient landmass that would become Australia 60,000 to 65,000 years ago.
NewScientist
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsAncient humans took two routes to Australia 60,000 years ago
Scientists have long tried to uncover the perilous journey humans took to reach the ancient land mass that now makes up Australia. Now, a genetic study has edged us closer to understanding how and when they achieved this
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