[blam]

"Spencer Wells' 2003 book The Journey of Man — in connection with National Geographic's Genographic Project — discusses a genetic analysis of the San and asserts their blood contains some of the oldest genetic markers found on Earth. The Bushmen's Y-chromosomal DNA haplogroup (type A) is one of the oldest, splitting off around 70,000 years ago from those found in the rest of humanity (type BT). Therefore, the Bushmen likely represent one of the oldest existing populations. Genetic markers present on the y chromosome are passed down through thousands of generations in a relatively pure form. The PBS documentary based on the book follows these markers throughout the world, demonstrating that all of humankind can be traced back to the African continent and that the San are one of the oldest, most genetically unadulterated, remnants of humankind's ancient ancestors. More recent analysis suggests that the San may have been isolated from other original ancestral groups for as much as 100,000 years and then rejoined at a later date, re-integrating the human gene pool."

[gleeaikin]

It shounds as though the San may have been isolated genetically by the sharp worldwide population reducation caused by Toba about 74,000 years ago. As for the Australia trip, didn’t the ocean get as much as 400 feet shallower at some point in there not the 150 feet the article mentioned.

Another item. With the discovery of the Kow Marsh hominids in Australia, which although only 12,000 years old have the appearance of the pre Neanderthal Heidelburgensis, is it possible for us to learn something from their DNA?

[Fred Nerks]

thanks, I've just finished reading 'The Heart of the Hunter' written by Laurens Van Der Post, published in 1963. More than a book, it's an experience.