A recent genetic study revealed a previously unknown human population in Colombia that vanished without leaving genetic traces in modern populations. This discovery provides insights into human migration and genetic diversity in South America.
Scientists sequenced DNA from 21 human remains from five archaeological sites in central Colombia, reconstructing the region's human history over the past 6,000 years. The analysis revealed a distinct ancient group whose genes are absent in any contemporary population, indicating a vanished civilization.
These hunter-gatherers inhabited the mountains around Bogotá approximately 6,000 years ago. "We did not find genetic descendants of these early hunter-gatherers – their genes did not pass on," stated Kim-Louise Krettek. This suggests a complete population replacement.
Around 2,000 years ago, a new group with a different genetic heritage settled in the region, linked to present-day inhabitants of lower Central America and likely speaking Chibchan languages. They brought cultural changes, shifting from hunter-gathering to agriculture and pottery. They remained until European colonization in the 16th century.
The reason for the first population's disappearance is unknown; war or disease are possible causes. "The complete disappearance of genetic traces is extremely rare, especially in South America," emphasized Andrea Casas-Vargas. This confirms the complex history of indigenous peoples in South America.
Colombia, at a crucial geographical juncture, is key for studying human migrations. "These are the first ancient human genomes ever published from Colombia," stated Cosimo Posth. This discovery opens new research avenues into the origins and fate of the first human communities in South America, answering how a population could vanish without a trace.