The quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric phenotype of Yinxu population, Anyang

A quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric data from Yin Xu, the capital of the late Shang Dynasty (3250–2996 BP), reveals significant population structure and gene flow patterns in northern China during the Bronze Age. The study found that while the ZXM group (medium and small tombs) showed close genetic ties to local Neolithic populations with frequent gene exchange along the Yellow River, the JSK group (sacrifice pits) exhibited higher craniofacial variation, indicating diverse origins including Inner Mongolia-Great Wall and Ganqing regions. No evidence of European or Oceanian gene flow was detected. The research suggests that geographic barriers likely limited gene exchange during this period, challenging the reliability of racial classification in tracing external genetic influences.

He, L., & Liu, W. (2017). The quantitative genetic analysis of craniometric phenotype of Yinxu population, Anyang. Chinese Science Bulletin, 63(1), 78–88. https://doi.org/10.1360/n972017-00742