Origins of Falasha Jews Studied by Haplotypes of the Y Chromosome

Document Type

Brief Communication

Authors

Gérard Lucotte, International Institute of Anthropology
Pierre Smets, International Institute of Anthropology

Abstract

DNA samples from Falasha Jews and Ethiopians were studied with the Y-chromosome-specific DNA probe p49a to screen for Taql restriction polymorphisms and haplotypes. Two haplotypes (V and XI) are the most widespread in Falashas and Ethiopians, representing about 70% of the total number of haplotypes in Ethiopia. Because the Jewish haplotypes VII and VIII are not represented in the Falasha population, we conclude that the Falasha people descended from ancient inhabitants of Ethiopia who converted to Judaism.

Recommended Citation

Lucotte, Gérard and Smets, Pierre (1999) "Origins of Falasha Jews Studied by Haplotypes of the Y Chromosome," Human Biology: Vol. 71: Iss. 6, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol71/iss6/7