The Scientific Exploration of Human Origins
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Chapter 1: The Quest for Human Origins
The discussion surrounding the birthplace of modern humanity and the cradle of civilization is filled with various theories that often contradict one another.
Establishing a definitive origin for humans remains a challenge due to the lack of fossil evidence. However, the fields of Paleogenetics and Archaeogenetics provide valuable insights into human migration and the emergence of modern humans. I will simplify this intricate history for clarity.
An unrooted chart illustrates what geneticists refer to as the three primary supergroups, from which all modern humans can trace their ancestry: AB, DE, and CF. These groups correlate with the biblical figures Ham, Shem, and Japheth. The descendants of Ham primarily migrated into Africa, while Shem’s lineage gives rise to the term Semite, and Japheth is the ancestor of various European populations.
This chart is derived from the 1000 Genome Project, which represents one of the largest genetic studies conducted on human populations to date:
Efforts to categorize all Africans into a singular group overlook the individuality of lineages AB, DE, and CF. The chart indicates that lineages A and B diverged early on. Lineage AB originated from BT, whereas DE and CF descended from CT, indicating a close genetic relationship, while also confirming the early split of AB.
To further validate this, we see how BT (which leads to AB) and CT (which gives rise to DE and CF) are distinct on a phylogenetic tree. One family, yet separate branches:
A00 is identified as Y chromosomal Adam, the genetic equivalent of the earliest modern human haplogroup. Evidence from Family Tree DNA indicates that A00 serves as an outgroup, not directly linked to AB, DE, or CF on the phylogenetic tree:
Haplogroups such as E made their way into Africa only in the last few thousand years, according to a young Earth timeline. In fact, fossils of E1b1a in Africa do not predate 2000 years, indicating a relatively recent migration. The DE haplogroup divided in the Middle East, with D primarily moving into Asia.
The Limitations of Carbon Dating: Old vs. Young Earth
When examining paleogenetics, it's important to recognize that some fossil dates may be overstated. This assertion arises from evidence suggesting that the Earth may not be as old as some claim. A crucial question to consider is: What is the oldest living organism on our planet? Trees, specifically, the oldest of which are around 4500 years old, dating back to the time of the biblical flood (circa 2500 BC). The ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in California is home to the Methuselah tree, regarded as the oldest living tree, which has been dated to be 4,855 years old through carbon dating.
Debunking the Out of Africa Hypothesis
This map displays the earliest haplogroups identified in Africa, based on fossil evidence, which consist exclusively of haplogroups A and B. These indigenous Africans are referred to in the Bible as Hamites, corresponding to groups recognized today as Pygmies, San, and Khoekhoen. The Nilotic, Cushite, and Nubian populations all descend from these lineages. Notably, no other groups existed in Africa during the time of this study, despite the current prevalence of E haplogroups.
Additional research into ancient West African populations corroborates these findings. Historical records of early West African kingdoms, such as the Za Dynasty—often identified with Israelites—will be explored in future discussions.
Geneticists and anthropologists frequently refer to the Bantu migration, a period when E haplogroups, labeled as Bantu, surged into Africa, displacing many of the indigenous Hamite populations.
Dr. Eran Elhaik, a prominent geneticist, has challenged the notion that the A00 haplogroup originated in Africa, suggesting it is based on unfounded assumptions rather than paleogenetic data or fossil evidence.
In his study, researchers examined the Y chromosome A00 from a descendant of Albert Perry, an African American born circa 1819–1827, tracing it back to tribes in Western Cameroon, Mbo and Bangwa, with identical haplogroups. This led to the assumption of an African origin, based solely on modern human lineage rather than ancient fossils.
The True Origins of Y Chromosomal Adam
The A00 haplogroup is intriguing in that it is more closely related to archaic humans, such as Denisovans (A0000), with the oldest A00 found in modern-day Russia, specifically in Denisova Cave—named after the extinct group. Geneticists estimate that the A00 haplogroup dates back approximately 270,000 years.
The timeline of the old Earth model reveals not only that a 121,000-year-old A00 was uncovered in Russia, but also that the oldest A00 in Africa is a 7,913-year-old fossil found in Cameroon, presenting a significant discrepancy.
The Cameroonian fossil, dating back to the early Holocene period, contrasts sharply with the Russian find from the Middle Palaeolithic era—the earliest period of human history.
Further supporting the hypothesis that A00 originated in Eurasia is the fact that modern humans interbred with Neanderthals (A000) and Denisovans (A0000) in Eurasia, where these archaic groups were predominantly located. Geneticists estimate that Neanderthals became extinct approximately 30,000 years ago due to an ice age event, which corresponds with biblical accounts of the flood.
This evidence aligns with the biblical narrative, which states that Noah and his family disembarked from the ark on Mount Ararat, near modern-day Armenia, close to Turkey and Russia. They subsequently migrated from the Caucasus to regions like present-day Iraq, where the first civilization emerged in ancient Mesopotamia.
In conclusion, there exists a stark contrast between the established narrative of human origins in Africa and the evidence presented here.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Human Origins
The following videos provide additional perspectives on the origins of humanity.
In the first video, "Human Origins 101" by National Geographic, viewers are introduced to various theories and discoveries related to the beginnings of humankind.
The second video, titled "Human Origins," delves deeper into the scientific findings and hypotheses surrounding the genesis of modern humans.