Ancient DNA reveals a multistep spread of the first herders into sub-Saharan Africa

TLDR

The spread of domestic animals has shaped human genetics worldwide, but in Africa the genetic impact of migrating pastoralists on local hunter‑gatherers remains unclear. This study aimed to determine when and how pastoralism spread across East Africa and its effects on foraging communities. The authors sequenced 41 ancient eastern African genomes dated from 100 to 4000 years ago to trace these movements. They found that the spread of pastoralism coincided with surprisingly little genetic admixture. Prendergast et al., Science, this issue p.

Abstract

East African genetics and pastoralism The origin and spread of domestic animals across the globe also affected the underlying genetic composition of human populations. In Africa, however, it has been difficult to identify the impact of interactions among migrating food producers and local hunter-gatherers. Prendergast et al. wanted to discern the timing and movement of husbandry and pastoralism and its effects on foraging communities in Africa. They sequenced 41 ancient eastern African human genomes from individuals that lived approximately 100 to 4000 years ago. Surprisingly, relatively little genetic mixture occurred at the same time as the spread of pastoralism. Science , this issue p. eaaw6275