New research has shed light on the intermingling and isolation of different groups during the European Stone Age. A team of researchers from Uppsala University, in collaboration with international scientists, conducted a DNA study on 56 individuals from Central and Eastern Europe from the Stone Age. The results, published in the journal Communications Biology, provide new genetic data that adds nuance to our understanding of the region’s prehistoric history.
The study reveals that the intermingling of genetic lines among hunter-gatherer groups was strongly influenced by geography. Before the spread of agriculture in Europe, various hunter-gatherer groups existed in different parts of Eurasia and interacted with each other. However, the study shows that the intermingling of these groups was not uniform across the continent.
Previous DNA studies have highlighted the significant role of gene flow from Anatolia in the spread of agriculture in Europe. The Anatolian group, which was genetically and culturally distinct from European hunter-gatherers, contributed to the diversification of ethnic groups in different regions of Europe. The study emphasizes that the spread of agriculture occurred in different ways in different geographical areas, leading to varying degrees of intermingling between groups.
Tiina Mattila, the lead author of the study and a population geneticist at Uppsala University, explains that these differences in genetic intermingling and cultural exchange can provide insights into the power dynamics between different groups during the Stone Age. The research also examined burial practices and found that common graves, often assumed to be family graves, did not always reflect familial relationships. This suggests that social factors beyond kinship played a role in burial practices during the Stone Age.
The study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic history of Stone Age Europeans. It reveals that certain regions, such as the area around the Dnipro River delta, were inhabited by isolated groups of hunter-gatherers for thousands of years. In contrast, other parts of Europe experienced significant changes in their way of life as new groups arrived, introducing agriculture and sedentary lifestyles.
Mattias Jakobsson, a professor of genetics at Uppsala University, highlights the significance of these findings in unraveling the complex history of early Europeans. The study demonstrates that the interplay between genetic continuity, isolation, and gene flow shaped the cultural and genetic development of early European societies over several thousand years.
The research, titled “Genetic continuity, isolation, and gene flow in Stone Age Central and Eastern Europe,” provides valuable insights into the dynamics of human populations during the European Stone Age. It offers a deeper understanding of the intermingling and isolation of different groups and their impact on the cultural and genetic landscape of prehistoric Europe.
Further information on the study can be found in the journal Communications Biology, with the DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05131-3. The research article was published on August 9, 2023.
What is the evidence of population turnover during the Stone Age in Central and Eastern Europe
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In the new study, researchers found that in some areas, such as the Baltics and Scandinavia, there was a high degree of intermingling and gene flow between different hunter-gatherer groups. This suggests that these regions served as contact zones where different groups came together and exchanged genes. On the other hand, in Central Europe, there was evidence of isolation and limited gene flow between groups.
The findings also indicate that the introduction of agriculture into Europe had a significant impact on the genetic makeup of the population. As agricultural practices spread across the continent, there was a shift in the genetic composition of European populations. The study suggests that this genetic shift was primarily driven by the migration of Anatolian farmers who carried their distinct genetic signatures with them.
Additionally, the researchers found evidence of population turnover during the Stone Age. New groups of people entered Central and Eastern Europe at different times, leading to the replacement or assimilation of previous populations. This highlights the dynamic nature of human migrations and the complex interactions between different groups during this period.
Overall, this study sheds new light on the intermingling and isolation of different groups during the European Stone Age. It emphasizes the role of geography in shaping genetic diversity and highlights the impact of the spread of agriculture on population dynamics. By studying ancient DNA, researchers are able to uncover new details about prehistoric populations and gain a deeper understanding of our shared history.
This groundbreaking research is shedding new light on the fascinating history of early Europeans and their intricate genetic connections. Can’t wait to learn more!