Although Darwin, amazingly, was on the right track with his tree of life, latest genetic research reveals that the various human populations have bred, interbred and migrated many times.

Darwin's Tree of Life 1837


Earnst Haeckel's tree, 1866



Due to advances in DNA research over the last decade we now have a more accurate picture of man's genetic makeup, and therefore are able to map various population movements. What was once thought to represent a tree, with clear branches and straight forward categories, is more akin to a very scrubby and messy bush.



Mmm, I can't say I find this too surprising, when have we ever been a simple species?

http://sciencelife.uchospitals.edu/2013/01/08/a-history-lesson-from-genes-using-dna-to-tell-us-how-populations-change/

Here is as good a place as any for this, I suppose.

New research claiming to have proved that farming was bought to Europe via colonisation from the Near East, rather than something that was adopted independantly by European populations. Includes a good clear map of population shifts also

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/02/2013/confirmation-that-near-east-farmers-bring-agriculture-to-europe

Islanddawn,
thank you very much for these two links. I read them with great interest.
Kind regards and with esteem,
Paul.

You are welcome Paul, and I'm happy you found them of interest.

Thank you ID I have added Past Horizons to my favourites, very interesting maps.

Using Mt DNA, scientists say they have shed considerable light on the making of the modern European population.

A significant contribution appears to have been made in the Late
Neolithic, by populations linked to the so-called Bell Beaker
archaeological culture. Sub-types of haplogroup H that are common today
first appear with the Beaker people and the overall percentage of
individuals belonging to the H clan jumps sharply at this time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22252099