The Most Recent and Direct Ancestors of Contemporary Africans
The ongoing debate about our ancient ancestors often centers on the Khoisan and other African tribes. However, recent genetic research challenges the notion that the Khoisan are the most recent direct ancestors of contemporary Africans. This article delves into the complexities of ancient ancestry and the genetic makeup of various African tribes, with a focus on Haplogroups A and E, and the Hadza people.
The Genetic Connection of Khoisan Tribes
Khoisan are not the Most Recent Direct Ancestors of Africans:
Unlike popular belief, Khoisan are NOT the most recent direct ancestors of Africans. The Khoisan, while being among the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa, share the same ancient ancestors as other Africans, particularly on the female line.
Yet, there are many Africans who do not carry Haplogroup A, but Haplogroup E1B1A and the North African E-M78 and E-M81, indicating a complex genetic history.
Origins of Haplogroup E
Origins and Migrations:
Some scientists claim that Haplogroup E originated from Haplogroup DE in Eurasia before migrating into Africa. In Asia, Haplogroup DE transformed into Haplogroup D. Migrations of Haplogroup DE are detailed as follows:
The San: The San people migrated into Southern Africa about 144,000 years ago. They did not migrate out of Africa, and Eurasians do not carry their DNA. About 2000 years ago, the Khoi migrated into Southern Africa and interbred with the San.
Hadza People: According to National Geographic, the Hadza people ventured out of Africa during the Out of Africa migrations and gradually populated the whole world.
Hadza People and Their Haplogroups A and B
The Hadza people, also known as Hadzabe or Hadzapi, live in present-day Tanzania. They are carriers of the first two indigenous African Y-DNA Haplogroups, A and B. The Hadza, Hadzabe, and Hadzapi are part of the hunter-gatherer tribes of today.
Many contemporary Africans, Europeans, and Asians trace their ancestries to the hunter-gatherer tribes of Hadza. These tribes are identified as the oldest tribes on Earth, carrying Haplogroup A and B. Unlike the Khoisan tribes, the Hadza ventured out of Africa, contributing to the genetic diversity seen in modern populations.
Genetically, people from the Khoisan tribes are the oldest. All people living today were originally part of their group. Within Africa, Africans began to branch into different groups, forming the ethnic groups we see today. Outside of Africa, those that left formed into the different ethnicities we see today across the globe.
Understanding the complex genetic connections between ancient and contemporary humans is crucial for a comprehensive view of our shared human history. As more genetic data becomes available, our knowledge of these ancient ancestors and their migrations continues to grow.