Neolithic Gene Flow and Cultural Interactions in the Yan Mountains Region (IMAGE)
Caption
This figure illustrates the prehistoric gene flow and cultural interaction within and around the Yan Mountains region (YMR). The YMR served as a crucial corridor connecting the agricultural Central Plains of North China (green shaded area) with the Mongolian Plateau (yellow shaded area). During the Early Neolithic, a genetic corridor between the Lake Baikal region and the YMR (blue-red gradient line) already existed prior to the widespread development of pastoralism/nomadism. From the Middle to Late Neolithic, the Yan Mountains became a significant hub for the convergence of agricultural and pastoral gene flows, with complex interactions between the YMR, the Yellow River region, and the West Liao River region (indicated by dashed arrows). The inset highlights the similar unique burial posture found in both the Lake Baikal region and the YMR (STM_EN site), archaeologically demonstrating the connection between these two regions.
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