Prehistoric ancestors of modern-day Chinese favoured rice over millet, study says

The ancestors of modern-day Chinese ate rice instead of millet, and genetic sequencing of their remains suggests a close link to present-day populations from southern China and Southeast Asia (SC-SEA), according to a new study.

“Han Chinese, a dominant ethnic group currently living in the Central Plain [of the Yellow River], clearly show extra affinity with SC-SEA populations,” said the researchers from China, Europe and South Korea.

The team based their findings on a study of ancient human genomes, the results of which were published on Monday in peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications.

The Yellow River has long been regarded as the cradle of Chinese civilisation. The early occupants established a complex culture, which included making painted ceramics, and were the first people in the world to grow millet, the study said.

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