Ancient genomes from northern China suggest links between subsistence changes and human migration

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16557-2
• Publication Date: 2020-06-01T10:03:14Z
• Authors: Chao Ning; Tianjiao Li; Ke Wang; Fan Zhang; Tao Li; Xiyan Wu; Shizhu Gao; Quanchao Zhang; Hai Zhang; Mark J. Hudson; Guanghui Dong; Sihao Wu; Yanming Fang; Chen Liu; Chunyan Feng; Wei Li; Tao Han; Ruo Li; Jian Wei; Yonggang Zhu; Yawei Zhou; Chuan-Chao Wang; Shengying Fan; Zenglong Xiong; Zhouyong Sun; Maolin Ye; Lei Sun; Xiaohong Wu; Fawei Liang; Yanpeng Cao; Xingtao Wei; Hong Zhu; Hui Zhou; Johannes Krause; Martine Robbeets; Choongwon Jeong; Yinqiu Cui
• Keywords: Human migration; Southern china; Genetic genealogy; Ancient DNA; Genetic data

Abstract Northern China harbored the world’s earliest complex societies based on millet farming, in two major centers Yellow (YR) and West Liao (WLR) River basins. Until now, their genetic histories have remained largely unknown. Here we present 55 ancient genomes dating to 7500-1700 BP from YR, WLR, Amur (AR) regions. Contrary stability AR, YR WLR profiles substantially changed over time. The populations show a monotonic increase time affinity with present-day southern Chinese Southeast Asians. In intensification of farming Late Neolithic is correlated increased while inclusion pastoral economy Bronze Age was AR affinity. Our results suggest link between changes subsistence strategy human migration, fuel debate about archaeolinguistic signatures past migration.