Fascinating genetics! Mitochondrial haplogroups M31 & M32 show deep maternal lineages in Andaman people, with branching patterns suggesting their ancestors diverged from mainland South Asian relatives during the Last Glacial Maximum. 🧬🏝️
Note: M31 and M32 aren't exclusive to Andaman — they have secondary branches in India/Indochina, supporting a mainland origin. The 26k-year split date is a reasonable estimate based on coalescent dating, but precise calibration varies between studies.
Key facts claimed:
- Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups M31 and M32 are found in Andaman people AND have secondary branches in mainland South Asia and Indochina, with coalescent dating suggesting divergence approximately 26,000 years ago
- Sea levels were approximately 130 meters lower during the Last Glacial Maximum
- At approximately 26,000 years ago, the Andaman archipelago would have been part of a larger landmass due to lower sea levels, with the islands positioned closer to the Asian mainland
- Historical accounts document local traditions among Andaman populations referencing changes in sea level over time