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    Home > Biochemistry News > Biotechnology News > Ancient DNA reveals the oldest genealogy in the world

    Ancient DNA reveals the oldest genealogy in the world

    • Last Update: 2022-01-10
    • Source: Internet
    • Author: User
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    Hazleton feldspar mound
    .


    Provided by the Corinium Museum, copyright belongs to the Cotswold District Council

    An analysis of ancient DNA from one of the best-preserved Neolithic tombs in Britain revealed that most of the people buried there are descendants of five generations of a large family
    .

    By analyzing DNA extracted from the bones and teeth of 35 people buried in the Hazleton North feldspar mound in the Cotswolds-Severn area, the research team was able to find that 27 of them were close relatives
    .


    This group lived about 5700 years ago-about 3700-3600 BC-about 100 years after agriculture was introduced to Britain


    This study, published in the journal Nature, reveals in this detail how the prehistoric family was composed for the first time
    .


    An international team composed of archaeologists and geneticists stated that the results of the study provide new insights into kinship and burial customs in the Neolithic Age


    Studies have shown that most people buried in the tombs are the descendants of four women, all of whom have had children with the same man
    .

    The results of the study show that men are usually buried with their fathers and brothers, which suggests that the blood is paternal and that offspring are buried in graves that are completely connected to the first generation through male relatives
    .

    Although the family had two daughters who died in childhood were buried in the tomb, the complete absence of adult daughters indicates that their remains were either placed in the grave of the male partner with the child or placed elsewhere
    .

    Although the right to use the mausoleum is determined through patrilineal relationships, the choice of individuals to bury in the northern or southern sanctuaries initially depends on their offspring first-generation women, which shows that these first-generation women are important in the memory of this community Social significance
    .

    Researchers say there are also signs that "stepsons" have been adopted into the family, that is, men whose mothers are buried in the grave instead of their biological fathers, and men whose mothers have given birth to a male in the patrilineal line
    .


    In addition, the research team found no evidence that the other 8 individuals are related to people on the genealogy, which may further indicate that blood relationship is not the only criterion for inclusion in the study


    This research gave us an unprecedented understanding of kinship in Neolithic society
    .

    The DNA preserved in the ancient tombs is very good, and the latest technology used in ancient DNA restoration and analysis allows us to discover and analyze the oldest genealogy that has been reconstructed so far, so as to deeply understand the society of these ancient groups Structure
    .


    This research reflects the future of ancient DNA: an archaeologist is able to apply high-resolution ancient DNA analysis to solve problems


    Ron Pinhasi of the University of Vienna said: "Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine that we would understand the Neolithic kinship structure
    .


    But this is just the beginning.


    A high-resolution picture of kinship practices in an Early-Neolithic tomb


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