Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Ethnic Groups

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited from mother to child and remains relatively unchanged across generations. Different ethnic groups have unique patterns of mtDNA variations, reflecting their ancestral origins and migration histories. By studying these genetic differences, scientists can trace how populations moved and mixed over thousands of years. This helps in understanding human diversity, migration routes, and evolutionary relationships among groups. Essentially, mtDNA variation serves as a genetic record, offering insights into the shared and diverse histories of different ethnic populations.