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Ancient Migration Revealed by Avocado DNA in Nicaragua

Scientists have discovered genetically distinct avocados in Nicaragua, offering new clues about ancient human migration. Led by researchers from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and Texas A&M University, the team analyzed DNA from avocados growing in Nicaragua and found evidence of a journey that took place around 5,000 years ago. At that time, people migrating north from South America carried avocado seeds with them, introducing the fruit to new regions. The avocados in Nicaragua today still carry genetic traces of this ancient movement. Avocados are native to Central and South America and have been a valued food source for thousands of years. The study highlights how the movement of people also moved plants, shaping the genetic diversity we see today. The findings provide a unique window into the past, showing how human migration and agriculture are deeply connected. The research adds to our understanding of how crops spread across the Americas long before modern transportation.

Sources: Phys.org
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