New study decodes when the Nicobarese people came to the island
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
Topic: GS1 – Indian Society, GS3 – Science and Technology |
Context |
|
Early Human Migration
- More than 500,000 years ago, human ancestors began migrating beyond Africa in search of food and better living conditions.
- Over time, humans spread to all habitable parts of the world, but some migration stories are still unclear.
New Genetic Findings
- The research team analyzed 1,559 DNA samples from South and Southeast Asia.
- The Nicobarese share a genetic link with the Htin Mal community from the Laos-Thailand region.
- They have also retained their Austroasiatic language roots, belonging to the Khmuic branch.
Revised Migration Timeline
- Earlier studies suggested the Nicobarese arrived 11,500 years ago, but new genetic research shows they migrated around 5,000 years ago.
- DNA mutations, which occur due to environmental changes, helped researchers refine the migration timeline.
Differences Between Andamanese and Nicobarese
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel (150 km wide).
- Despite their proximity, the Andamanese and Nicobarese have distinct physical features and genetic histories.
- A 2005 study found Andamanese tribes like Onge and Great Andamanese preserved two ancient maternal genetic lineages M31 and M32, dating back 50,000–70,000 years.
Future Research Plans
- The Nicobarese live in isolation, which has preserved their genetic identity without much mixing with other populations.
- Their lifestyle differs greatly from genetically similar Southeast Asian groups.
- Scientists aim to study how natural selection and environmental factors have shaped their immunity and survival strategies.
- Their isolation from pathogens makes them vulnerable to infections from the outside world.
Nicobarese Tribe |
|
Practice Question: Examine the significance of genetic studies in understanding human migration patterns. Discuss the findings related to the Nicobarese people’s origins and their implications. (150 Words /10 marks) |
Check more- The impact of classifying denotified tribes