Mitochondrial Eve and the Diversity of Mankind

Science suggests that there is a maternal ancestor of all human beings. She is referred to as mitochondrial Eve (mtEve). All humans get their mitochondrial DNA from their mother. Genetics suggests that 99.9% of each humans mitochondrial DNA is the same. Knowing this allows for scientists to trace back to where they think mtEve originated. The picture below is a geographic depiction of this idea. According to this image she was most likely from Northeastern Africa.




This idea is amazing considering the diversity of the human population. 5 different peoples are identified below from across the world as an example of this diversity.

        Tujia of China                              Arab of Egypt                    

     

                 

      Wolof of Senegal                    Peruvian of Peru                 Danish of Denmark

Photos are courtesy of Joshua Project.