Mitochondrial Eve

 

Depiction of Mitochondrial Eve
Mitochondrial Eve is the name given to the one common female ancestor we all share. She serves as the explanation for the origin of man. Since all individuals in a family line share 100% of their mitochondrial DNA with the matriarchal line, it can be concluded that at some point in time we all originated from a common ancestor; therefore, we are all technically related. Eventually, through mutation, we diversified and developed into several groups that moved all around the globe. Mitochondrial Eve could be the one answer to that big question we have always asked ourselves, "Where did we come from?"

Five Branches of Man, We Are All Related

Native American: Cherokee: 

Individuals of this group tend to have skin ranging from dark tan to nearly black (due to prolonged exposure to the sun) and tends to wrinkle severely with age. Additionally these individuals almost always have jet-black hair with a slightly bluish or brownish tinge. Their eyes tend to be hazel brown to dark brown; any other color being extremely rare. The face is generally rounded, perhaps becoming a tad more oval-shaped with adulthood. Full blooded individuals lack facial hair and most body hair. Tend to have some oriental characteristics, especially in the face.

 Hispanic:  Mexican: 

Individuals of this group tend to have skin ranging from almost beige to a deep red-brown (becomes darker with prolonged exposure to the sun) and tends to wrinkle severely with age. Additionally, their hair tends to be very deep brown to black in coloration. Most individuals of this group tend to have brown eyes, though hazel and green do occur. The face is typically oval or rounded in appearance. Share some traits similar to Native Americans, especially those of the plains and western tribes; like the Navajo.

 Oriental: Japanese:

 Individuals of this grouping tend to have very light tan to white skin and tends to wrinkly moderately to heavily with age. Their hair tends to be black or a very deep rust-red/brown and turns white to light gray with age. Nearly all individuals have very dark brown eyes. The face, depending on region, is typically rounded or oval in shape. Individuals tend to be fairly short in stature. Traits from these people can be found in Native Alaskans, Native Americans, and even people of Central and South America.

 African: Maasai:

Individuals of this group tend to have light brown skin (which darkens slightly in the sun). Their hair tends to be black, short, and curly. However, some individuals may have reddish-brown hair. Almost all individuals have dark brown eyes. Facial hair is prominent among elderly men. Their faces tend to be extremely long in shape and these individuals tend to have very long necks. Additionally, members of this group tend to be very tall; men often being more than 6'0" in height.


 Middle Eastern: Pakistani:

Individuals of this group often have very tan to white skin and tend to wrinkle heavily with age due to exposure to the sun and harsh environment. Hair tends to be dark, almost black and sometimes reddish-brown (older males of certain groups dye their beards with henna, as seen here). Individuals tend to have hazel, brown, or green eyes. Their faces are often oval or somewhat squared. Most individuals are of median height. Tend to share traits with other middle eastern groups; like Iranians and Afghans.

For Information on The Human Genome Project visit: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml