Ancient DNA Reveals Europe's Dynamic Genetic History

Recently, scientists have recovered several skeletons in Germany that have been found to be 7,500 years old. They have been able to figure out some of the migration patterns of ancient peoples between Europe and Asia. These skeletons are being used to create a more detailed genetic history of Europe. The scientists took DNA from the teeth of the skeletons and charted their DNA and they found that certain genetic patterns discovered can also be found in 45% of all current Europeans. The scientists have been able to trace genetic changes in Europe over the course of a 4,000 year period. It reveals the changes that occurred as different groups migrated to the area and changed the DNA sequence over time and how the area became more diverse. Scientists are now able to better guage populations present at different times in history and also to gauge the rate of evolution of the population.



Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130423134037.htm

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