Secrets of the Altiplano: Colombia's early hunter and their disappearance
Secrets of the Altiplano: Colombia's early hunter and their disappearance
Checua, Kolumbien - An international research team has made important discoveries on the genetic history of Colombia. The scientists from the University of Tübingen, the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia examined the genetic material from the Altiplano region, specifically from the area around Bogotá. This analysis showed the existence of a previously unknown population of hunters and collectors who lived about 6,000 years ago. These early people disappeared a maximum of 2,000 years ago, replaced by migrants from Central America who brought new technologies, including ceramics and chibcha. The study was in the renowned journal Science Advances published.
The genetic examination included 21 individuals from five archaeological sites and was based on genetic makeup samples from bones and teeth. The oldest examined remains come from the excavation site Checua, located north of Bogotá at an altitude of around 3,000 meters. It is exciting that the genetic material of this original hunter and collector is no longer detectable in 2,000 years old individuals, which indicates a complete change of the population. This type of genetic continuity, as is observed in the Andes and in the south cone, is unusual in South America.
genetic diversity and migration
In addition to these findings, another study is concerned, published in the magazine molecular biology and evolution , with genetic roots of 26 population groups in West South America and Mexico. This extensive examination carried out an interdisciplinary team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Human History and the University of Zurich, whereby the focus was on cooperation with local communities. Research illuminates how large, complex cultures and unknown migrations have shaped the demographic structure of the continent and shows that genetic examinations can expand the horizon of understanding through the population history of South America.
The study reveals that diligent descent components in the populations from Ecuador and Colombia have existed for over 4,000 years. A high degree of genetic exchange was found between populations far away from one another. In addition, the comparison of genetic data with archaeological and paleoclimatic information enabled a more precise dating of migrations and the discovery of connections between different language groups, such as the speakers of Quechua and Cocama.
migration movements in South America
The complex migration history of South America goes back to Spanish conquest in the 15th century. South America has been shaped by large waves of immigration in the past centuries, especially in 19th and 20th Century. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile mostly receive rural migrants from Europe that flee from economic difficulties. This led to a profound change in the political, social and cultural landscape of the continent.
In recent times, migrants from Asia and Africa have been added, who are often looking for asylum. Important migration trends also show that many South Americans emigrate to the USA and Europe. The intergovernmental migration within South America has also increased, including through the current crisis in Venezuela, which led to a massive emigration pressure.
The combination of these research and historical analyzes not only offers insights into the genetic roots of the South American population, but also in the constant changes that are shaped by migration. The importance of such studies is not only in the understanding of the past, but also in relevance for current social challenges.
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| Ort | Checua, Kolumbien |
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