Ancient migrants carrying maize from south were early Maya ancestors, says study unm NatureComms
New research published this week by University of New Mexico archeologist Keith Prufer shows that a site in Belize was critical in studying the origins of the ancient Maya people and the spread of maize as a staple food.
The excavated skeletons revealed a range of ancient DNA information on the movements of early populations in the Americas: An early southward migration of people from the north by 9,600 to 7,300 years ago shows only distant relatedness to present-day Mesoamericans, including Maya-speaking populations; then, a previously unknown movement from the south starting about 5,600 years ago made a major demographic impact on the region, contributing more than 50 percent of the ancestry of all later...
The excavations and DNA analysis"support a scenario in which Chibchan-related horticulturalists moved northward into the southeastern Yucatan carrying improved varieties of, and possibly also manioc and chili peppers, and mixed with local populations to create new horticultural traditions that ultimately led to more intensive forms of maize agriculture much later in time…."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Maya—and the maize that sustained them—had surprising southern roots, ancient DNA suggestsMore than half of Maya ancestry can be traced to migrants who arrived from South America sometime before 5600 years ago, likely bringing with them new cultivars of the crop that sustained one of Mesoamerica’s great cultures: corn.
Read more »
Lidar Uncovers Hundreds of Lost Maya and Olmec RuinsThe results have shown that Maya civilization was more extensive, and more densely populated, than we previously realized.
Read more »
The Maya—and the maize that sustained them—had surprising southern roots, ancient DNA suggestsMore than half of Maya ancestry can be traced to migrants who arrived from South America sometime before 5600 years ago, likely bringing with them new cultivars of the crop that sustained one of Mesoamerica’s great cultures: corn.
Read more »
2 Pennsylvania state troopers, civilian killed in crash on I-95 in PhiladelphiaTwo Pennsylvania state troopers and a civilian have died following a crash along I-95 in South Philadelphia early Monday morning, officials say.
Read more »
Enormous Ice Wall Blocked Ancient Entry Into The Americas, Study SuggestsAn icy barrier up to 300 stories high – taller than any building on Earth – may have prevented the first people from entering the New World over the land bridge that once connected Asia with the Americas, a new study has found.
Read more »