The “Genographic Project” was created to map the human story. Scientists have been gathering DNA samples from people around the globe, but for this particular part of the study they went to Queens, New York and swiped the cheeks of many volunteers to gain samples of their DNA. These volunteers were from all around the globe and from many different cultures. Queens is a diverse area and the perfect place for this part of the project. Their DNA samples were then carefully examined and from them the scientists were able to trace everyone’s ancestries all the way back to whom they refer to as Scientific Adam and Scientific Eve.
It is not as simple as one, two, three though. The paths their ancestors took were varied. They either went east from Africa to Asia, or North to Europe, or other directions. Through the thousands of years migratory paths were examined and everyone in this study, which consisted of a rather large and diverse group of volunteers, were able to see exactly where their ancestors came from through the centuries.
The results surprised most of the people. And at the end of the study when they were all presented with the final results, everyone voiced the hope that this study would help people come together and learn to live with each other in peace, because, as it is pointed out, the human family tree started with one branch, and that was in Africa.
The History of the Planet Merges with the History of Humans
Not only does this show track the DNA, it is also a history lesson of the planet and the climate changes that have occurred over the thousands of years. What are now islands were at one time connected land masses, allowing humans to move from one place to another. When the ice age ended and the waters increased, much of the earth’s lands were cut off making traveling from one place to another almost impossible.
The show points out the several routes that humans have taken through the years, but they all began in on spot. Africa was ground zero for the human species.
Kevin Bacon narrates this fascinating study that to some viewers will be surprising and educating to others. From a sampling of people in Queens, New York, the history of the human race can be dissected and put together. The scientists created a virtual road map of humanity.
The Human Family Tree premiers Sunday, August 30 at 9 PM ET/PT on National Geographic Channel.
People can go to the website to purchase a kit and join the Genographic Project.
To learn more about the project read this article.
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