A detailed look at the genetic makeup of ethnic groups within African countries reveals a complex pattern of genetic variation and a long history of intermixing
A detailed look at the genetic makeup of ethnic groups within African countries reveals a complex pattern of genetic variation and a long history of intermixing
The genetic variation of 1333 people from over 150 ethnic groups in Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sudan were studied with deep implications about ancient African socities
A new genetic study1 has found evidence of ancient empires and migrations in Africa. The study, which was conducted by researchers at UCL, used data from more than 1,300 individuals from 150 ethnic groups from across Africa. The researchers found that people from different parts of Africa intermixed at different times and places, likely due to migration linked to vast empires such as the Kanem-Bornu and the kingdoms of Aksum and Makuria, as well as the spread of the Bantu language group. The study also found that climate change may have played a role in some of these migrations.
The study's findings provide new insights into the history of Africa and the people who live on the continent. They also suggest that climate change can have a significant impact on human migration. Co-author Dr Forka Leypey Matthew Fomine (University of Buea, Cameroon) said:
“There are still lots of ethnic groups, for example in Cameroon, that have not yet been studied, whose genomes likely hold many other secrets. We have the capability to collect these samples and are looking for interested collaborators.”
Here are some more specific results:
The study found that people from different parts of Africa intermixed at different times and places.
The study found that migration was linked to vast empires such as the Kanem-Bornu and the kingdoms of Aksum and Makuria.
The study found that the spread of the Bantu language group also led to migration.
The study found that climate change may have played a role in some of these migrations.
Bird, N., Ormond, L., Awah, P., Caldwell, E. F., Connell, B., Elamin, M., Fadlelmola, F. M., Matthew Fomine, F. L., López, S., MacEachern, S., Moñino, Y., Morris, S., Näsänen-Gilmore, P., Nketsia, N. K., V., Veeramah, K., Weale, M. E., Zeitlyn, D., Thomas, M. G., Bradman, N., & Hellenthal, G. (2023). Dense sampling of ethnic groups within African countries reveals fine-scale genetic structure and extensive historical admixture. Science Advances, 9(13), eabq2616. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq2616