The Human Family Tree

Where do you really come from?

The Genographic Project is a multi-year research initiative of the National Geographic Society. Genographic was launched in 2005 by geneticist Dr. Spencer Wells, and it is currently led by anthropologist Dr. Miguel Vilar. Vilar and a team of renowned scientists are using cutting-edge genetic and computational technologies to analyze historical patterns in DNA from participants around the world to better understand our shared genetic roots.

The project is seeking to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species by using sophisticated laboratory and computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. In this unprecedented and real-time research effort, the Genographic Project is closing the gaps of what science knows today about humankind's ancient migration stories.

Since 2005 more than a million people have participated in the project. Their DNA was sampled and the results helped to map a story of the origin of humanity going back roughly 200,000 years with clear indications of the African roots of mankind, stemming from a single man and women - 'scientific Adam & Eve'. Learn more on this remarkable story by watching the video or visiting the project's website.

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