The Neolithic transition in Europe: archaeological models and genetic evidence

Authors

  • Martin Richards Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Huddersfield, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.30.10

Keywords:

Neolithic farmers, Mesolithic foragers, mitochondrial DNA, Y chromosome, phylogeography

Abstract

The major pattern in the European gene pool is a southeast-northwest frequency gradient of classic genetic markers such as blood groups, which population geneticists initially attributed to the demographic impact of Neolithic farmers dispersing from the Near East. Molecular genetics has enriched this picture, with analyses of mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome allowing a more detailed exploration of alternative models for the spread of the Neolithic into Europe. This paper considers a range of possible models in the light of the detailed information now emerging from genetic studies.

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Published

1. 01. 2003

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Richards, M. (2003). The Neolithic transition in Europe: archaeological models and genetic evidence. Documenta Praehistorica, 30, 159-167. https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.30.10

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