Prehistoric ancestors of modern-day Chinese favoured rice over millet, study says
- Scientists from China, Europe and South Korea studied remains of populations who lived for about 6,000 years from 5525BC
- Han Chinese genetically closer to Longshan people, who are known to have farmed rice, researchers say
The ancestors of modern-day Chinese ate rice instead of millet, and genetic sequencing of their remains suggests a close link to present-day populations from southern China and Southeast Asia (SC-SEA), according to a new study.
The team based their findings on a study of ancient human genomes, the results of which were published on Monday in peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.
The Yellow River has long been regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilisation. The early occupants established a complex culture, which included making painted ceramics, and were the first people in the world to grow millet, the study said.
But when the cultivation of rice overtook the growing of millet, the Yellow River natives ventured out towards Tibet, Siberia and all the way to Europe, leaving behind a trail of prehistoric cultural footprints.
