New Study Challenges Old Theories on Y Chromosome Diversity Loss

The development of patrilineal social systems during the Neolithic period, where children inherit their father’s lineage, could be the reason for a notable decrease in Y chromosome genetic diversity globally between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. In a study recently published in the journal Nature Communications, a team of scientists from the CNRS, MNHN, and Université Paris Cité suggest that these patrilineal organizations had a greater impact on the Y chromosome than mortality during conflict.