Genetic Diversity

  • BaboonsHumanity had a recent origin

  • African origin

  • Small population that rapidly expanded recently

Next Last Origin of Mankind and the Races Home
First | Previous | Next | Last |        | Index | Home

Slide 27 of 109


Scientists examine human genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA, Y chromosomal DNA, linkage disequilibrium, and microsatellites. The results of the studies show that modern humans arose 40-100 thousand years ago. The most genetically diverse populations are from Africa, suggesting an origin at or near that locale. The limited genetic diversity suggests that humans originated from a small population of individuals that expanded recently.


Last Modified June 21, 2006