Study: Native people share DNA from six women

Friday, March 14, 2008  

Most Native people in North, Central and South America share a genetic link to the same six women, according to a study published in the Internet journal PLoS One.

The study was based on mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down unaltered by the mother. It found that 95 percent of Native people share the same DNA from women who lived about 18,000 to 21,000 years ago.

Study co-author Ugo Perego said the results don't mean these six women were the only forebears of Native people.

Get the Story:
Indian DNA Links to 6 'Founding Mothers' (AP 3/13)
pwpwd