The Shallow Roots of the Human Family Tree

An anonymous reader writes to mention an AP story about research discussing the relatively recent origins of every human on earth. Despite the age of our species, every human on earth can trace their ancestry back to someone who may have lived as recently as the Golden Age of Greece (around 500 BC). From the article: "It is human nature to wonder about our ancestors -- who they were, where they lived, what they were like. People trace their genealogy, collect antiques and visit historical sites hoping to capture just a glimpse of those who came before, to locate themselves in the sweep of history and position themselves in the web of human existence. But few people realize just how intricately that web connects them not just to people living on the planet today, but to everyone who ever lived."

Comments

Re:From TFA

[TubeSteak]

If you knew anything about Iraq & Iran, you'd know that Iraq is an Arab country and Iran is a Persian country.

The Arabs have a long running grudge against the Persian empire, which Saddam used to unite the Iraqi people during that war.

Maybe 30% of Iraqi families are mixed Sunni-Shia. To pretend that the sectarian violence in Iraq isn't religiously motivated is ignorance in the extreme.

It's exactly the thing that Bush Sr. predicted would happen if he invaded Iraq. So he didn't. If you honestly believe that "This generally artificial tension is being produced as a convenient cover" then i suggest you go read a book or two, because Civil War is exactly what most political scientists expected would happen.

Re:Somewhat misleading

[Hepneck]

Neither of David's parents were relevant to his becoming king. Jonathan was the scion of Saul, as he was Saul's son. David, the son of Jesse (and later Jonathan's best friend), was unrelated to Saul, and became king because he was annointed by the prophet Samuel. Neither David's patrilineal, nor his matrilineal line mattered to his being king of Israel.
Your facts were wrong, your point is right.