The line of the eastern seas

The story

More than 50,000 years ago, a woman walked out of Africa. Her daughters, and their daughters, followed the coasts east into East Asia, where the M7 family grew. One branch went north to Japan, others stayed in southern China or went on to the islands of Southeast Asia. Every mother since passed it on. You still carry it.

The road, stop by stop

1. East Africa
   More than 50,000 years ago
   Her line, later named M, leaves Africa with some of the first people to settle Asia.
2. South Asia
   On the way east
   The line follows the warm southern coasts of Asia.
3. Southern China
   Tens of thousands of years ago
   Branch M7 likely grows up in southern East Asia.
4. Japan
   In later times
   Branch M7a becomes common in Japan; M7b and M7c stay further south.
5. Malaysia
   Today
   You. Your result on atgc.asia shows how common this line is among the Malaysians we have tested.

Where it is found today

Found across East Asia, most often in Japan and southern China, and in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Most often found in: China, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam.

On these shelves