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Evidence from mitochondrial DNA has been used to establish early modern
human's migrations from Africa and around the world. This has led to the
coining of the term 'African Eve' and these early studies have been
subject to large amounts of criticism. However, new studies have helped
confirm our recent African origin and this latest study has managed to
resolve much more detailed and localised population migration. The study
shows that modern humans had left the Middle East by 50,000 years and
entered Europe by 35,000 years. IN ADDITION IT ALSO COULD FIND NO
EVIDENCE OF NEANDERTHAL DNA AND SO CONCLUDED THAT NO INTERBREEDING HAD
OCCURRED. These dates fit in very well with the 'Replacement' hypothesis of
modern human origins The study also showed signs of the influx of Middle
Eastern farmers in the Neolithic. [Emphasis added]
References:
1. Richards, M., Corte-Real, H., Forster, P., Macaulay, V.,
Wilkinson-Herbots, H., Demaine, A., Papiha, S., Hedges, R.E.M., Bandelt,
H.-J. & Sykes, B. (1996) Paleolithic and Neolithic lineages in the
European mitochondrial gene pool. American Journal of Human Genetics. 59
(1). 185 - 203. [L.O.C. RB155.AME]
2. Times (London) 1/7/96