A study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals a complex ancestry link between Native Americans and ancient populations from northern coastal China. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA, they identified two migration events during the last Ice Age and the subsequent melting period, when populations moved from China to the Americas, and another branch headed to Japan. This contrasts previous beliefs that Native American ancestry was exclusively linked to Siberia and other regions in Eurasia. The researchers examined over 100,000 contemporary and 15,000 ancient DNA samples, uncovering a unique lineage through genetic comparisons. The first migration from China occurred between 19,500 and 26,000 years ago, while the second took place between 19,000 and 11,500 years ago, coinciding with climate improvements that facilitated population growth and expansion. Notably, the study also found genetic ties to Japanese populations, particularly the indigenous Ainu, suggesting shared cultural and genetic heritage among Paleolithic people from China, Japan, and the Americas. While mitochondrial DNA was the focus, evidence from Y chromosomal DNA indicates male ancestors might also share origins in northern China. This research sheds light on Native American ancestry, though many questions remain regarding the origin of various founder groups.
