Low Mitochondrial DNA Diversity in an Ancient Population from China: Insight into Social Organization at the Fujia Site

Document Type

Article

Authors

Yu Dong, Shandong University
Chunxiang Li, Jilin University
Fengshi Luan, Shandong University
Zhenguang Li, Shandong Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Hongjie Li, Jilin University
Yinqiu Cui, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Hui Zhou, Jilin University
Ripan S. Malhi, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Open Access Pre-Print

http://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol_preprints/73/

Abstract

To gain insight into the social organization of a population associated with the Dawenkou period, we performed ancient DNA analysis of 18 individuals from human remains from the Fujia site in Shandong Province, China. Directly radiocarbon dated to 4800–4500 cal BP, the Fujia site is assumed to be associated with a transitional phase from matrilineal clans to patrilineal monogamous families. Our results reveal a low mitochondrial DNA diversity from the site and population. Combined with Y chromosome data, the pattern observed at the Fujia site is most consistent with a matrilineal community. The patterns also suggest that the bond of marriage was de-emphasized compared with the bonds of descent at Fujia.

Recommended Citation

Dong, Yu; Li, Chunxiang; Luan, Fengshi; Li, Zhenguang; Li, Hongjie; Cui, Yinqiu; Zhou, Hui; and Malhi, Ripan S. (2015) "Low Mitochondrial DNA Diversity in an Ancient Population from China: Insight into Social Organization at the Fujia Site," Human Biology: Vol. 87: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol87/iss1/7