Origins of Changos. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests Chinchorro culture fishermen ancestry

Abstract

Sophisticated molecular genetics techniques allow the typification and posterior comparison of antique haplogroups and mitochondrial DNA sequences from prehistoric groups with contemporary populations. This adds a chronological dimension to these studies and contributes to have a better knowledge of the genetic composition of the Chilean population. This article gives scientific support, using molecular methodology, to the alleged biological links that joined the descendants of proto historic Chango fishermen from Paposo cove, a place located 15 kilometers north of Taltal, with prehistoric fishermen from Chinchorro culture, that developed in Northern Chile and Southern Peru between 7900 and 4000 A.C.