Move Over, Genghis Khan. Many Other Men Left Huge Genetic Legacies – Smithsonian Magazine
Posted: June 25, 2024 at 2:41 am
Earthwork Portrait of Genghis Khan Christophe Boisvieux/Corbis
Since a 2003 study found evidence that Genghis Khans DNA was present in about 16 million men alive at the time, the Mongolian rulers genetic prowess has stood as an unparalleled accomplishment. But he isnt the only man whose reproductive activities still show a significant genetic impact centuries later. A 2015 study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics found that a handful of other men had prolific lineages, too.
To identify those lineages, the geneticists analyzed the Y chromosomes of more than 5,000 men from 127 populations spanning Asia, wrote Nature News Ewen Callaway in 2015. The Y chromosome is a part of the human genome handed down only from father to son. They found 11 Y-chromosome sequences that were each shared by more than 20 of the analyzed subjects. Chalk down one of those as Genghis Khans, and that leaves ten other men who initiated long-lived and widely spread family trees.
When he ruled during the 13th century, Genghis Khan presided over land that spanned from the Pacific coast of China to the Caspian Sea. Historians dont know exactly how many children Genghis Khan sired, but many agree his lineage is broad. In 1260, Persian historian Ata-Malik Juvaini wrote: Of the issue of the race and lineage of Chingiz [Genghis] Khan, there are now living in the comfort of wealth and affluence more than 20,000.
Mongol rulers such as Genghis Khan could have spread their genes widely, because of rapes during conquests and because the khans had access to many women in the areas they ruled, Oxford University geneticist Chris Tyler-Smith told Nicholas Wade of the New York Times in 2003.
Genghis Khans sons may have followed in their fathers footsteps and had large harems. Tushi, the emperors oldest son, had 40 sons himself, per the New York Times.
So, who were the other super-fertile fathers? One genetic sequence is attributed to Giocangga, the grandfather of the founder of the Qing dynasty. His Y chromosome was linked in a 2005 study to 1.5 million men in modern northern China. This large number likely resulted from his descendants taking many wives and concubines.
The other nine men are currently mysteries. Yet, by assuming they lived in the area where their genomes were most commonly found and by studying mutations in the genetic sequences, scientists suggest they originated throughout Asia between 2100 B.C.E. and 700 C.E., per Nature News.
According to Nature News, the founders who lived at the earlier end of this range, between 2100 B.C.E and 300 B.C.E., were part of both agricultural and nomadic cultures. They lived during the emergence of hierarchical, authoritarian societies in Asia. And the three lineages connected to more recent times, including those linked to Genghis Khan and Giocangga, were associated with nomadic peoples in Mongolia and northeast China.
Large genetic legacies are not confined to that part of the globe. According to a 2006 study in the American Journal of Human Genetics, 1 in 12 Irishmen worldwide can trace their heritage back to a single individual. That man may be a fifth-century Irish warlord dubbed Niall of the Nine Hostages, who could have as many as three million direct male descendants in modern times.
Genetic studies published in the last few years have continued to reveal more information about the heritage of peoples around the world. From uncovering the genetic history of the Viking age to confirming the origins of the Swahili people and pinpointing Neanderthal genes in modern populations, techniques analyzing ancient DNA have opened another window to understanding how genes flowed in the past.
As far as the nine unknown founders with impressive genetic lineages, more research is needed to discern their identities. But one thing is certain: Genghis Khan has never been the only big kid on the genetic block.
Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.
Excerpt from:
Move Over, Genghis Khan. Many Other Men Left Huge Genetic Legacies - Smithsonian Magazine
- HitXP Science of Genetics behind the Hindu Gotra System ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Size Genetics - Male Enhancement Reviews [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Male Infertility | Genetic Abnormalities or Male ... [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Male infertility - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2015]
- Androgenic alopecia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2015]
- Difference Between Male and Female BirdsGenetics and ... [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2015]
- URNotAlone Profile for Lynda Flores, Genetic Male Straight ... [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2015]
- Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- Male - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- WHO | Gender and Genetics [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2015] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2015]
- The Genetics of Male Infertility - The Turek Clinic [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2015]
- Male Hair Loss All You Need To Know - The Belgravia Centre [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2015]
- Male-pattern hair loss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: August 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 1st, 2015]
- Genetics - biology [Last Updated On: August 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 2nd, 2015]
- Are People Born Gay? Genetics and Homosexuality [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2015] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2015]
- Hormone and genetic study in male to female transsexual ... [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2015]
- Cloning Myths - Learn Genetics [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2015]
- Sensorineural deafness and male infertility - Genetics ... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2015]
- Workable male sterility systems for hybrid rice: Genetics ... [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2015]
- Proband - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2015]
- Y chromosome - Genetics Home Reference [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2015]
- Genetics - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2015]
- Genetics / Does the male or female carrier the gene for twins. [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2016]
- The Genetics of Balding | Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2016]
- Male Infertility - Genetics & IVF Institute [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2016]
- Scientist Explains the Genetics of Male Pattern Baldness [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2016]
- Definitions for Terms in Genetics Problems [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- Genetics of human male infertility. [Last Updated On: August 24th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 24th, 2016]
- BEHAVIORAL GENETICS: THE SCIENCE OF ... - PubMed Central (PMC) [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2016]
- Review of the Status of Aquaculture Genetics [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2016]
- Genetics of Skin Cancer (PDQ)Health Professional Version [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetics of Prostate Cancer (PDQ)Health Professional ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Genetics of Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (PDQ)Health ... [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2016]
- Evolution - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2016]
- Human - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2016]
- Genetics - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Beefalo - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 4th, 2016]
- Drosophila melanogaster - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Breast CancerPatient Version - National Cancer Institute [Last Updated On: January 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 6th, 2017]
- Sex - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- The 44 Chromosome Man | Understanding Genetics [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2017]
- Binary thought suppresses identity - The Daily Evergreen [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Tortoiseshell cat - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Entrepreneurship Is Genetic, And South Africa Is The Ideal Environment For Young Entrepreneurs To Thrive - Huffington Post South Africa (blog) [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Women in Data Science conference highlights female participation in male-dominated field - Daily Free Press (subscription) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Male Contraceptives Have A Messy History And A Bright Future - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The impact of RABL2B gene (rs144944885) on human male infertility in patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia ... - UroToday [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- More Than 200 Baldness-Linked Genetic Markers Found - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Can Your Anxiety Impact How Long You Last In Bed? - Men's Health [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic data show mainly men migrated from the Pontic steppe to Europe 5000 years ago - Phys.Org [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Men inherit male pattern baldness from their mum's side of the family ... - Metro [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Experts Are One Step Closer To Predicting A Man's Risk For Hair Loss - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Baldness linked to over 280 genes - BioNews [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic basis for male baldness identified in large-scale study - Medical News Today [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Genetic data show mainly men migrated from the Pontic steppe to ... - Science Daily [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Thousands of horsemen may have swept into Bronze Age Europe, transforming the local population - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Cohen wins Gates grant for her new take on male contraception - Cornell Chronicle [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- A Florida higher-ed official said women's genetics may be keeping ... - Washington Post [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Florida higher education official said women may earn less than men because of genetics - New York Daily News [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Twins Separated at Birth Reveal Staggering Influence of ... [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2017]
- Scientific studies favor male miceand that could hurt a lot of humans - Popular Science [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- So Cal mountain lions' low genetic diversity threatens population - Davis Enterprise [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- Horse Tale: Oriental Stallions Dominate Horse DNA, Gene Study Shows - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- sex chromosome | genetics | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2017]
- The problematics of genetics and the Aryan issue - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Scientists arming new weapon against dengue, malaria mosquitoes - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2017]
- Fertility and Genetics - Affordable High Quality Fertility ... [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2017]
- Aryan Invasion May Have Transformed India's Bronze-Age Population - Live Science [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- How Masculinity Can Be Bad For Men's Health - WUNC [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2017]
- Nilgiris pale tiger an 'aberrant genetic mutation' - The Hindu [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Evolution and war: The 'deep roots' theory of human violence - Genetic Literacy Project [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2017]
- Hair loss in men: THIS shower habit could be why you're going bald - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: July 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 10th, 2017]
- Don't Blame Your Mom's Dad for Male Pattern Baldness - Inverse [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2017]
- Falling sperm counts are linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals - MinnPost [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Should genetic engineering be used as a tool for conservation? - chinadialogue [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Trinity Researchers Lead Analysis of Portugal and Spain's Genetic History - The University Times [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Williams Professor Wins Grants to Study Evolutionary Genetics - iBerkshires.com [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- History News of the Week: The Biblical Canaanites' Modern Descendants - New Historian [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- When the male fruit fly gets a headache - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]
- Genetics LadyFrontbum [Last Updated On: July 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 31st, 2017]