The genetic prehistory of the Andean highlands 7000 years BP though European contact.

ABSTRACT: The peopling of the Andean highlands above 2500 m in elevation was a complex process that included cultural, biological, and genetic adaptations. Here, we present a time series of ancient whole genomes from the Andes of Peru, dating back to 7000 calendar years before the present (BP), and compare them to 42 new genome-wide genetic variation datasets from both highland and lowland populations. We infer three significant features: a split between low- and high-elevation populations that occurred between 9200 and 8200 BP; a population collapse after European contact that is significantly more severe in South American lowlanders than in highland populations; and evidence for positive selection at genetic loci related to starch digestion and plausibly pathogen resistance after European contact.

SUBMITTER: Lindo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6224175 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature