Reading genetic info of ancient Mexicans

The great Pyramid of the Sun in ancient Teotihuacan, Mexico (Malkowo/wiki)

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Reading the genetic information of the ancient Teotihuacans of Mexico

Mexico is nearly as diverse as Alta California.

(Science X) All present-day and ancient Mesoamericans (the people of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica) belonged to haplogroups A2, B2, C1, D1, and D4, says Dr. Fuzuki Mizuno (phys.org).

Teotihuacan was one of the largest metropolitan centers in ancient Mexico/Mesoamerica in the pre-Columbian era.

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Where is Teotihuacan? (wiki map)

Six ancient individuals unearthed from Teotihuacan City in Mexico between the third and seventh centuries AD were examined in a study led by Dr. Fuzuki Mizuno at the Toho University School of Medicine.

Scientists have determined the entire mitochondrial DNA sequences of these ancient Teotihuacans, revealing their genetic diversity.

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We have very sophisticated screenings.

Additionally, this study demonstrates the dependence of Teotihuacans on maize [early pre-Monsanto Frankenfood corn] as their primary food source.

Teotihuacan City was established in the northeastern Basin of Mexico around the second century BC and flourished the most in the fourth century AD, exerting a significant cultural influence throughout Mesoamerica.

I'm sure Dr. Mizuno will be peer-reviewed.

In studying ancient societies, DNA analysis of individuals excavated from archaeological sites has provided critical insights into the lives of those who lived there.

However, the success of ancient DNA analysis is highly dependent on preserving the DNA samples. The Teotihuacan region is not favorable for preserving ancient DNA because of the climate, highly fluctuating temperature and humidity, and the properties of volcanic ash soil.

Shadow: The Temple of the Feathered Serpent, Teotihuacán, México (Diego Delso)

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In the analysis of stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N), the six ancient samples from Teotihuacan were mapped to an area indicating the intake of stable isotopes through a staple maize diet. Black circles represent Teotihuacans. Green, Blue, and Orange indicate pre-maize, transitional maize, and staple maize diets, respectively. Reference data for stable isotope analysis of ancient Mesoamericans were obtained from Kennett et al. (2020). Credit: Dr. Fuzuki Mizuno

Pyramid of the Moon, Avenue of the Dead

Therefore, there have been few studies of ancient DNA in this area. Recent developments in next-generation sequencing and technical advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the analysis of ancient DNA.

In this study, Dr. Mizuno and colleagues employed this state-of-the-art technology to investigate Teotihuacan society and its genetic origins. More: Reading genetic information of ancient Teotihuacans

• Science X Staff (phys.org) via MSN.com, 6/20/24; Crystal Quintero, Xochitl, Pfc. Sandoval, CC Liu (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly