Human Relationships Inferred from Genetic Variation

Abstract

We humans are a diverse species, both at the phenotypic and the genetic levels. The genetic diversity of current human populations has been shaped by various demographic and evolutionary as well as some cultural factors. Thus, studying how genetic variation is distributed through individuals around the world can provide insights into (i) when and where our human ancestors first appeared on the planet, (ii) the dynamics of admixture with other Homo species not existing anymore, (iii) migration waves that brought humans across the world and (iv) processes of adaptations towards environmental and other factors that shaped human genomes and phenotypic traits. Additionally, the quantification of genetic variation between human populations provides data evidence for elucidating whether humans can be classified according to genetically homogeneous groups or not, with implications for medical and forensic studies. Hence, studying human genetic diversity is important for better understanding of our past, presence and future.