Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – A recent genomic study reveals how human populations adapted, survived, and diversified in the challenging Himalayan environment.
Himalaya from the International Space Station. Source: NASA
Conducted by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with international partners from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, this research analyzed whole-genome sequences from various Himalayan ethnic groups. Many of these groups had not been genetically studied at this level before.
The study reveals that population structure in the Himalayas began over 10,000 years ago—well before archaeological evidence suggests permanent settlement at high altitudes. This early divergence challenges previous assumptions about when and how diverse groups accessed these extreme elevations.
Dr. Marc Haber from the University of Birmingham Dubai stated that this research provides an unprecedented view into the genetic legacy and adaptations of Himalayan populations to high-altitude life. It highlights how migration, isolation, and natural selection have influenced human survival in such a demanding environment.
The study identifies new genetic variants associated with adaptation to hypoxia, metabolism, immunity, and physical activity. It also confirms that a Denisovan-derived gene known as EPAS1 is prevalent among all high-altitude Himalayan groups for surviving low-oxygen conditions.
This whole-genome research uncovers ancient genetic structures and Denisovan legacies while highlighting human resilience in harsh environments. The gene variants originate from Denisovans—an extinct archaic human species—and were also found among some lowland populations known for exceptional breath-hold diving abilities.
Co-first author Dr. Mohamed Almarri noted that although often seen as barriers to movement, the Himalayas reveal a dynamic history through genetic data showing both isolation and migration patterns.
By sequencing these diverse populations for potentially their first time at such depth, researchers discovered relationships within regional communities as well as connections beyond them despite long-term isolation periods; bidirectional gene flow occurred between Central/South Asia & East Asia alongside several migration phases aligning historically significant empires like Tibetan or Gupta Empires’ rise/expansion efforts providing insights into small isolated humans evolving under intense environmental/historical pressures alike!
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer