Genomics and social practices at Mogou and other Gansu sites during prehistoric trans-Eurasian exchange

AI interpretationAI-generated

Ancient DNA from Gansu reveals East Asian migrations without western genetic influence.

This study analyzed genomes of 149 individuals from the Mogou cemetery and ten other Gansu sites, dating 4,700–3,000 years ago. Despite the arrival of Southwest Asian crops and livestock around 4,000 years ago, no western or central Eurasian genetic ancestry was detected. Instead, migrations occurred within East Asia. The Mogou community showed no clear matrilocal or patrilocal patterns, and co-buried individuals were not necessarily biological relatives. Non-local ancestry was linked to lower-status burials.

• No detectable genetic influence from western or central Eurasia in Gansu during early agricultural dispersal.
• Mogou cemetery lacked clear matrilocal or patrilocal residential patterns.
• Co-buried individuals showed no strong evidence of being biological relatives.
• Non-local ancestry was associated with lower-status burial practices.

Sample interpretation

The dataset includes 186 samples from Gansu, with 97 Y-chromosome haplogroups resolved. Predominant Y lineages are East Asian, such as O-YP4864 (25 samples) and N-Y58826 (8 samples). Mitochondrial DNA is diverse, with G2a1 (6 samples) and Z3 (5 samples) being most common. Cultural contexts span mainly Qijia (93 samples) and Qijia-Siwa transitional (30 samples), reflecting local continuity.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows that early food globalization in Gansu did not bring western genetic ancestry. Instead, local East Asian populations adopted new crops and livestock while maintaining their genetic profile, highlighting a distinct model of agricultural spread.