Complex genetic patterns in human arise from a simple range-expansion model over continental landmasses.

ABSTRACT: Although it is generally accepted that geography is a major factor shaping human genetic differentiation, it is still disputed how much of this differentiation is a result of a simple process of isolation-by-distance, and if there are factors generating distinct clusters of genetic similarity. We address this question using a geographically explicit simulation framework coupled with an Approximate Bayesian Computation approach. Based on six simple summary statistics only, we estimated the most probable demographic parameters that shaped modern human evolution under an isolation by distance scenario, and found these were the following: an initial population in East Africa spread and grew from 4000 individuals to 5.7 million in about 132 000 years. Subsequent simulations with these estimates

SUBMITTER: Kanitz R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5821356 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature