Saw this documentary this afternoon which tested the Out of Africa theory of human evolution. The theory basically states that the first humans existed in Africa and then migrated to various parts of the world. So far, to me, it has proven to be the most convincing theory of human evolution. Go read Evolutionary Psychology by David Buss for more info. Or you can just google.
Anyway, in this documentary, they sought to find evidence for the OOF theory using mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is not the DNA you think about when we talk about genetics. It only exists in the mitochondria, and here's the cool part, it is passed down only by mothers to offspring through generations. Thus, in theory, you can trace your way back your maternal line by looking at mitochondrial DNA!
So, technically, if we all track our mitochondrial DNA back through time, they will all converge onto 1 female, the very first female homo sapien, who is nick-named Mitochondrial Eve. So cool right! Maybe the bible story about Adam and Eve can finally be proven and I won't be surprised if she's found to be an African.
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