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Ancient DNA reveals the population interactions and a Neolithic patrilineal community in Northern Yangtze Region

Author

Listed:
  • Tingyu Yang

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Jianing He

    (Peking University)

  • Chunmei Li

    (Peking University
    Yunnan University)

  • Chao Ning

    (Peking University)

  • Tianming Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Jincheng Wang

    (Peking University)

  • Hai Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Guanbo Wang

    (Peking University
    Shenzhen Bay Laboratory)

  • Xiaowen Jia

    (Peking University)

  • Chi Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Shi Yan

    (Minzu University of China)

  • Xiannian Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Fan Wu

    (Peking University)

  • Chaodong Wu

    (Peking University)

  • Xiaohong Wu

    (Peking University)

  • Yuhong Pang

    (Peking University)

  • Yanyi Huang

    (Peking University
    Peking University
    Shenzhen Bay Laboratory
    Peking University)

Abstract

The scarcity of ancient genomes of early rice cultivators has hindered our understanding of their genetic profiles and dynamic interactions with millet cultivators. In this study, we analyzed 58 ancient genomes from Baligang, a long-term settlement situated on the northern rim of the Middle Yangtze River Basin, spanning from the Middle Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age. This chronostratified genetic dataset offers comprehensive genomic insights into populations engaged in early rice cultivation, enhancing our understanding of East Asian demographic history. Our study revealed that Baligang experienced successive waves of admixture over time, with ~4,200 BP as a critical transition point, marked by a significant genomic influx of southern East Asian populations. We also identify the detailed kinship relations within multi-generational secondary burial and the existence of patrilineal communities dating back five millennia, offering fresh perspectives on early social structure in prehistoric China.

Suggested Citation

  • Tingyu Yang & Jianing He & Chunmei Li & Chao Ning & Tianming Zhang & Jincheng Wang & Hai Zhang & Guanbo Wang & Xiaowen Jia & Chi Zhang & Shi Yan & Xiannian Zhang & Fan Wu & Chaodong Wu & Xiaohong Wu &, 2025. "Ancient DNA reveals the population interactions and a Neolithic patrilineal community in Northern Yangtze Region," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63743-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63743-1
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