Genetic relationship of populations in China

TLDR

Morphological continuity of modern human fossils in China has repeatedly challenged the Out‑of‑Africa hypothesis, yet Chinese populations remain underrepresented in genetic studies. Genetic analysis of 28 Chinese populations confirms a southern–northern split with biphyletic northern groups, shows extensive gene flow across linguistic boundaries, rejects an independent Homo sapiens origin in China, and indicates East Asian ancestry likely entered from Southeast Asia.

Abstract

Despite the fact that the continuity of morphology of fossil specimens of modern humans found in China has repeatedly challenged the Out-of-Africa hypothesis, Chinese populations are underrepresented in genetic studies. Genetic profiles of 28 populations sampled in China supported the distinction between southern and northern populations, while the latter are biphyletic. Linguistic boundaries are often transgressed across language families studied, reflecting substantial gene flow between populations. Nevertheless, genetic evidence does not support an independent origin of Homo sapiens in China. The phylogeny also suggested that it is more likely that ancestors of the populations currently residing in East Asia entered from Southeast Asia.