Genetic Diversity Declining

[Dubh Aingeal]

In a study covering five different periods of history, from 300 AD to the present day, and geographically spread across much of Europe, scientists have extracted the mitochondrial DNA from a sizable number of individuals in an effort to examine changes in diversity. The results, published in the Royal Society journal is intriguing to say the least. 1700 years ago, three out of every four individuals belonged to a different haplotype. In modern Europe, the number is only one in three. The researchers blame a combination of plague, selection of dominant lineages and culturally-inflicted distortions. The researchers say more work needs to be done, but are unclear if this involves archaeology or experiments involving skewing the data in the local female population.

[BrassFusion]

They're studying genetic diversity in England?? Maybe that's their problem... =D

[Dubh Aingeal]

At least it wasn't a study in the south. There are only 2 types down there. Southerners and Msterbeau.

[BrassFusion]

At least it wasn't a study in the south. There are only 2 types down there. Southerners and Msterbeau.

*scattered applause*

[Head Wreck]

actually i belive theres great diversity here. the other week i saw a woman who i could have sworn was the descendant of a homo sapiens and homo neanderthalis. heavy brow ridge the lot.

[sass_in_the_pants]

Interesting.

I asked the hubby about it.

He gave me an answer.

I have no idea what he just said.

[Msterbeau]

They're studying genetic diversity in England?? Maybe that's their problem... =D

[boshy]

In a study covering five different periods of history, from 300 AD to the present day, and geographically spread across much of Europe, scientists have extracted the mitochondrial DNA from a sizable number of individuals in an effort to examine changes in diversity. The results, published in the Royal Society journal is intriguing to say the least. 1700 years ago, three out of every four individuals belonged to a different haplotype. In modern Europe, the number is only one in three. The researchers blame a combination of plague, selection of dominant lineages and culturally-inflicted distortions. The researchers say more work needs to be done, but are unclear if this involves archaeology or experiments involving skewing the data in the local female population.

The two main waves of bubonic plague that that sweep through Europe first in 13 47 and later in the mid 1600’s (which caused one of my favorite historical figures, Sir Isaac Newton, to survive by fleeing to the countryside where he invented the calculus and set forth the three fundamental laws of physics) would have at first reduced the human genome concentration of Europe by 33% and again by another 25% giving an overall reduction of 49.75%. The survivors of the Black Death show a mutation of a certain gene on a given chromosome. Since chromosomes carry many thousands of genes. It only makes sense that the haplotype (multiple alleles carried on the same chromosome) concentration is due to waves of plague and the natural selection that resulted. This does not include the reductions due to war and famine which would have involved natural selection of another kind, but that is a whole other discussion.

.

[boshy]

oops! posted the same thing twice.

[Troy Spiral (13)]

As technology/civilization advances (along with it communication, travel etc) cultural and genetic diversity decreases. Not really even a theory just a fact. There are periods of more or less homogenization but the overall trend is toward a "unified" culture and a more bland genetic pool. For at least the next several centuries that is. But, genetic diversity on a global scale was so long in the making that it'll be hard for us (meaning mankind as a whole) to fuck it up too badly anytime too soon.

The "global villiage" idea is more and more in focus every day. With both negative and positive results.

If we get off this rock without blowing ourselves up and colonize other worlds, then the genetic and cultural trees will start growing more branches rather than less again.

[BrassFusion]

If we get off this rock without blowing ourselves up and colonize other worlds, then the genetic and cultural trees will start growing more branches rather than less again.

It'll be cyclical. We'll colonize the planets in the solar system and turn Pluto into a prison colony like Australia used to be, and they'll solidify their own culture and genetic quirks. When interplanetary travel speed catches up, Pluto will be reachable from Earth in the same way Australia is reachable from the US, for example, and it'll get homogenous again... until we colonize other star systems. Then the whole shebang starts over.

[AntiHero]

skip to the end. how long is it before I have to worry about accidentally banging a relative? That is assuming I get reincarnated.

[crunchy_pickle (5)]

In a study covering five different periods of history, from 300 AD to the present day, and geographically spread across much of Europe, scientists have extracted the mitochondrial DNA from a sizable number of individuals in an effort to examine changes in diversity. The results, published in the Royal Society journal is intriguing to say the least. 1700 years ago, three out of every four individuals belonged to a different haplotype. In modern Europe, the number is only one in three. The researchers blame a combination of plague, selection of dominant lineages and culturally-inflicted distortions. The researchers say more work needs to be done, but are unclear if this involves archaeology or experiments involving skewing the data in the local female population.

This is why every man and woman needs at least 16 regular lovers.....

[BrassFusion]

skip to the end. how long is it before I have to worry about accidentally banging a relative? That is assuming I get reincarnated.

mitochondrial DNA sez you've already been banging your relatives... if you've been doing any banging at all.

This is why every man and woman needs at least 16 regular lovers.....

we might get better genetic diversity if everyone picks 16 unusual lovers as opposed to regular ones

[Steven]

It'll be cyclical. We'll colonize the planets in the solar system and turn Pluto into a prison colony like Australia used to be, and they'll solidify their own culture and genetic quirks. When interplanetary travel speed catches up, Pluto will be reachable from Earth in the same way Australia is reachable from the US, for example, and it'll get homogenous again... until we colonize other star systems. Then the whole shebang starts over.

we'll never live that long buts its a great idea...

[BrassFusion]

we'll never live that long buts its a great idea...

yeah, we will...