Arrival of Paleo-Indians to the Southern Cone of South America: New Clues from Mitogenomes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051311
• Publication Date: 2012-12-11T21:47:03Z
• Authors: Michelle de Saint...; Francesca Gandini; Ugo A. Perego; Martin Bodner; Alberto Gómez-Car...; Daniel Corach; Norman Angerhofer; Scott R. Woodward; Ornella Semino; Antonio Salas; Walther Parson; Mauricio Moraga; Alessandro Achilli; Antonio Torroni; Anna Olivieri
• Keywords: Haplogroup; Beringia; Founder effect; Molecular clock

With analyses of entire mitogenomes, studies Native American mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation have entered the final phase phylogenetic refinement: dissection founding haplogroups into clades that arose in America during and after human arrival spread. Ages geographic distributions these could provide novel clues on colonization processes different regions double continent. As for Southern Cone South America, this approach has recently allowed identification two local (D1g D1j) whose age estimates agree with dating earliest archaeological sites indicating Paleo-Indians might reached region from Beringia less than 2000 years. In study, we sequenced 46 mitogenomes belonging to additional clades, termed B2i2 (former B2l) C1b13, which were identified basis mtDNA control-region data geographical appear be restricted Chile Argentina. We confirm their mutational motifs most likely region. However, estimate C1b13 (11–13,000 years) appears younger those other clades. The difference reflect evolutionary origins distinct American-specific sub-haplogroups, some being already present, at times locations, very front expansion wave others originating later situ, when tribalization process had begun. A delayed origin a few thousand years one locally derived populations, possibly central part Chile, would limited ethnic diffusion explain present-day occurrence mainly confined Tehuelche Araucanian-speaking groups.