scholarly journals Ostrich eggshell beads reveal 50,000-year-old social network in Africa

Nature ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Miller ◽  
Yiming V. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Genetic Analyses ◽  
The Social ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa ◽  
Exact Timing ◽  
Ostrich Eggshell

AbstractHumans evolved in a patchwork of semi-connected populations across Africa1,2; understanding when and how these groups connected is critical to interpreting our present-day biological and cultural diversity. Genetic analyses reveal that eastern and southern African lineages diverged sometime in the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 350–70 thousand years ago (ka)3,4; however, little is known about the exact timing of these interactions, the cultural context of these exchanges or the mechanisms that drove their separation. Here we compare ostrich eggshell bead variations between eastern and southern Africa to explore population dynamics over the past 50,000 years. We found that ostrich eggshell bead technology probably originated in eastern Africa and spread southward approximately 50–33 ka via a regional network. This connection breaks down approximately 33 ka, with populations remaining isolated until herders entered southern Africa after 2 ka. The timing of this disconnection broadly corresponds with the southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which caused periodic flooding of the Zambezi River catchment (an area that connects eastern and southern Africa). This suggests that climate exerted some influence in shaping human social contact. Our study implies a later regional divergence than predicted by genetic analyses, identifies an approximately 3,000-kilometre stylistic connection and offers important new insights into the social dimension of ancient interactions.

scholarly journals Genetic structure and sex-biased gene flow in the history of southern African populations

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Bajić ◽  
Chiara Barbieri ◽  
Alexander Hübner ◽  
Tom Güldemann ◽  
Christfried Naumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Y Chromosome ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Population History ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
The Social ◽  
African Populations ◽  
History Of ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTObjectivesWe investigated the genetic history of southern African populations with a special focus on their paternal history. We reexamined previous claims that the Y-chromosome haplogroup E1b1b was brought to southern Africa by pastoralists from eastern Africa, and investigated patterns of sex-biased gene flow in southern Africa.Material and MethodsWe analyzed previously published complete mtDNA genome sequences and ~900 kb of NRY sequences from 23 populations from Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, as well as haplogroup frequencies from a large sample of southern African populations and 23 newly genotyped Y-linked STR loci for samples assigned to haplogroup E1b1b.ResultsOur results support an eastern African origin for Y-chromosome haplogroup E1b1b; however, its current distribution in southern Africa is not strongly associated with pastoralism, suggesting a more complex origin for pastoralism in this region. We confirm that the Bantu expansion had a notable genetic impact in southern Africa, and that in this region it was probably a rapid, male-dominated expansion. Furthermore, we find a significant increase in the intensity of sex-biased gene flow from north to south, which may reflect changes in the social dynamics between Khoisan and Bantu groups over time.ConclusionsOur study shows that the population history of southern Africa has been very complex, with different immigrating groups mixing to different degrees with the autochthonous populations. The Bantu expansion led to heavily sex-biased admixture as a result of interactions between Khoisan females and Bantu males, with a geographic gradient which may reflect changes in the social dynamics between Khoisan and Bantu groups over time.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial DNA Phylogenetics of Black Rhinoceros in Kenya in relation to Southern Africa Population

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Elijah K. Githui ◽  
David N. Thuo ◽  
Joshua O. Amimo ◽  
Nyamu M. Njagi ◽  
Maryanne M. Gitari
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Mitochondrial Dna ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Wildlife Conservation ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Black Rhinoceros ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa ◽  
Game Hunting

Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) are highly endangered due to poaching and other anthropological reasons and their protection to rebound the numbers and genetic improvement are necessary remedial measures defined by Rhino International Union of Conservation for the Nature Red List (IUCN). In Kenya black rhino numbers declined from approximately 20,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 400 in 1982. Wildlife conservation managers effected strategies to manage/breed the remaining rhinoceros populations in Eastern and Southern Africa within regional sanctuaries. This study analyzes the genetic variability of these remnant rhinoceros using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Majority of the rhinoceros in both Kenyan and Southern Africa group are monophyletic clusters with insignificant genetic variations while some lineages are underrepresented. The Eastern Africa rhinoceros forms a distinct clade from the Sothern Africa counterpart while Tanzania population has admixtures. Tajima-D test showed that these two populations are under different selection pressure possibly due to different history of adverse anthropologic activities. Similarly, the Southern Africa rhinoceros have low genetic diversity compared to the Eastern African population due to extended periods of game hunting during Africa colonization. This study suggests that managed translocations of individual rhinoceros across the separated fragments can be applied to improve their genetic diversity.

scholarly journals Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socio-ecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambia

Bothalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne B.R. Witt ◽  
Ross T. Shackleton ◽  
Tim Beale ◽  
Winnie Nunda ◽  
Brian W. Van Wilgen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Tithonia Diversifolia ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa

Background: Many alien plant species, such as Tithonia diversifolia, T. rotundifolia and T. tubaeformis, have been introduced to areas outside of their natural distribution range to provide benefits, but have subsequently become invasive, threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the current distribution and dates of introduction of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa and to document the effects of T. diversifolia on rural livelihoods in Zambia.Method: Roadside surveys, and other sources of information, were used to determine the distribution of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa. Household interviews were conducted to gauge perceptions and understand the impacts of T. diversifolia on local livelihoods in Zambia’s Copperbelt province.Results: Tithonia diversifolia is widespread in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi and parts of Zambia but less so in Zimbabwe. Tithonia rotundifolia was comparatively uncommon in eastern Africa but common in some southern African countries, while T. tubaeformis was invasive in Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and possibly also Zimbabwe. According to the majority of respondents in Zambia, T. diversifolia has negative impacts on native vegetation, mobility or access, water availability, crop yields and animal health.Conclusion: Invasive Tithonia species are widespread and spreading throughout much of Africa. Livelihood and biodiversity costs have not been considered by those actively promoting the use and further dissemination of T. diversifolia. We therefore recommend that detailed cost–benefit studies should be undertaken to support informed decisions on the future management of these species.

scholarly journals Distribution of Mimosa diplotricha in eastern and southern Africa and its socioecological impacts in northern Malawi

Bothalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (Volume 50 No. 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne Witt ◽  
Lilian Chimphepo ◽  
Tim Beale ◽  
Winnie Nunda
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Current Distribution ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Ecological Change ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Local Livelihoods ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa

Background: Mimosa diplotricha is an emerging or established weed in many parts of the world, including many countries in Africa, where it is impacting on biodiversity, crop and pasture production, and driving socio-ecological change. Objectives: To establish the current distribution of M. diplotricha in eastern and southern Africa and its impacts on livelihoods in northern Malawi. Methods: Records on current distribution were collected from roadside surveys, literature reviews and herbarium data. Household surveys were conducted in the Karonga District, Malawi, to understand its impacts on local livelihoods. Results: Mimosa diplotricha is abundant in western Ethiopia, southern Tanzania, and northern and southeastern Malawi with isolated populations in western Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. Most respondents said that M. diplotricha invasions were reducing the amount of grass and shrubs in rangelands, with over half saying it reduced crop yields. This invasive plant is also reducing the availability of medicinal plants and other natural resources. Conclusions: Mimosa diplotricha has the potential to significantly expand its range in eastern Africa, and parts of southern Africa, and as such there is an urgent need to develop and implement an integrated management strategy, including biological control, to reduce the negative effects of this invasive plant on local livelihoods.

The bee genera Haplomelitta and Samba (Hymenoptera:Anthophila:Melittidae): phylogeny, biogeography and host plants

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Michez ◽  
Connal Eardley ◽  
Michael Kuhlmann ◽  
Kim Timmermann ◽  
Sébastien Patiny
Keyword(s):  
Host Plant ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Phylogenetic Data ◽  
Taxonomic Decision ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa

Recent molecular phylogenetic data showed the Melittidae as the likely sister group to all other bees and indicated that proto-melittids could have been host-plant specialists originating in Africa. However, robust phylogenetic data at generic and species level are now needed for all melittid clades to test these hypotheses and investigate early melittid and bee evolution in general. The bee genera Haplomelitta and Samba, which comprise the former tribe Sambini (Hymenoptera : Melittidae), are revised here. The genera are endemic to the Afrotropical region, occurring in eastern and southern Africa. Previous studies hypothesised that Samba rendered Haplomelitta paraphyletic but a conclusive taxonomic decision was not proposed. By performing a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis based on five nuclear genes (28S, CAD, EF-1α (F2 copy), long-wavelength rhodopsin (opsin) and RNA polymerase II (RNAp); total 4179 bp) and morphological characters (34 characters), we here synonymise Haplomelitta with Samba. The genus is now subdivided into six subgenera containing 10 species, four of which are here described as new, namely: S. ascheri, S. gessorum, S. spinosa and S. rubigoinis. Moreover, we also considered biogeography, phenology and floral visitation data. Samba seems to have originated in southern Africa and later colonised eastern Africa. The ancestral host-plant foraging strategy was probably specialisation on one plant family (e.g. oligolectism). This result supports the hypothesis that the ancestor of bees arose in Africa and was a host-plant specialist.

scholarly journals Ending AIDS: trends in the incidence of HIV in eastern and southern Africa

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian G. Williams ◽  
Reuben Granich
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Control Threshold ◽  
Eastern And Southern Africa ◽  
Control And Management

AbstractWhile great progress has been made in the control and management of the HIV epidemic there is still much to be done. Using trends in the rate of new HIV infections in eastern and southern Africa we assess the current state of the epidemic and evaluate the future prospects for controlling it. If we let an incidence of 1 per 1,000 people represent a control threshold then this has been reached, or will probably be reached by 2020, in eastern Africa and is reachable by 2020 in those southern African countries that do not have particularly strong social and economic ties to South Africa if they continue to scale up their treatment programmes. In South Africa and its immediate neighbours Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland, the prospects are less certain. These countries are unlikely to reach the control threshold by 2020 but with sufficient political will and commitment to ‘treatment for all’ could do so by 2030.There are two important caveats. First, reaching the control threshold still leaves 35 thousand new infections a year. As the lessons of polio remind us, finding the last few, hard to reach cases will demand more focussed strategies. Second, ending AIDS will not end HIV and about 35 million people will have to be kept on ART for the next 30 to 40 years unless and until a cure is discovered. Even if we assume a modest cost of, say, US$100 per person per year for ART treatment and support, this corresponds to a continuing financial commitment of US$3.5 Bn per year although this is substantially less than the approximately US$ 40 Bn per year currently committed to HIV and AIDS.

Mobility and Subsistence Patterns among Mid-Holocene Pastoralists in East Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel K Ndiema
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Shared Identity ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Social ◽  
Subsistence Patterns ◽  
To Come ◽  
Pastoral Neolithic

Pastoralism in eastern Africa was characterized by a form of niche broadening and diversification when viewed within the context of mobility and subsistence patterns. In East Africa, Pastoral Neolithic cultures entail those groups who herded domesticated animals and used stone tools and ceramics as part of their subsistence package. Climatic and demographic pressures after 6,000 bp pushed Neolithic pastoralists living in the Nile River Valley southward toward East Africa, where they encountered savanna habitats that were ideal for herding. Pastoralist mobility and subsistence patterns are reviewed from the perspective of how animal herders occupied distinct niches on the landscape. The development of the Pastoral Neolithic was lengthy and complex. The current state of archaeological evidence for early pastoral cultures in East Africa are examined to evaluate how prehistoric herders may have varied their mobility and subsistence patterns so as to opportunistically exploit specific ecological niches in the landscape. The exchange and mobility networks are also examined on how pastoralist groups in new lands exploited those networks with local foragers so as to acquire familiar resources in unfamiliar landscapes. The role of forgers as active participants in the inception and spread of pastoralism is reviewed. Finally, the social organization and groupings that necessitated these early herders to come together and build megalithic monuments is examined, highlighting how pastoralists had come together in times of severe aridity to build megalithic structures that served as a reminder of their shared identity. The early herders tended to have been less mobile, since resources were plenty and predictable. Later on, as aridity intensified, pastoralists adapted a broad-based subsistence pattern. When placed within the larger paleoenvironmental and cultural context, pastoralists adapted their mobility and subsistence to specific ecosystems based on the potential of the land to provide adequate sustenance for themselves and their livestock. Pastoralists also needed to adjust to several challenges specific to different ecological niches they occupied, such as livestock diseases, predation, as well as severe droughts. In understanding the prehistory of eastern Africa, pastoralism is fundamental: pastoralism formed the foundation of the transition to food production, spread widely, and has persisted as a primary subsistence system in the region over three millennia.

Embodiment, Enaction, and Culture

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Shared Meaning ◽  
Enactive Cognition ◽  
The Social ◽  
Conceptual Foundations ◽  
Matthew Ratcliffe

Recent accounts of cognition attempt to overcome the limitations of traditional cognitive science by reconceiving cognition as enactive and the cognizer as an embodied being who is embedded in biological, psychological, and cultural contexts. Cultural forms of sense-making constitute the shared world, which in turn is the origin and place of cognition. This volume is the first interdisciplinary collection on the cultural context of embodiment, offering perspectives from the neurophilosophical to the anthropological. The contributors explore conceptual foundations, drawing on work by Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, and Sartre, and respond to recent critiques. They consider whether there is something in the self that precedes intersubjectivity and inquire into the relation between culture and consciousness, the nature of shared meaning and social understanding, the social dimension of shame, and the nature of joint affordances. They apply the notion of radical enactive cognition to evolutionary anthropology, and examine the concept of the body in relation to culture in light of studies in such fields as phenomenology, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and psychopathology. The book covers the interplay of embodiment, enaction, and culture. Contributors Mark Bickhard, Ingar Brinck, Anna Ciaunica, Hanne De Jaegher, Nicolas de Warren, Ezequiel Di Paolo, Christoph Durt, John Z. Elias, Joerg Fingerhut, Aikaterini Fotopoulou, Thomas Fuchs, Shaun Gallagher, Vittorio Gallese, Duilio Garofoli, Katrin Heimann, Peter Henningsen, Daniel D. Hutto, Laurence J. Kirmayer, Alba Montes Sánchez, Dermot Moran, Maxwell J. D. Ramstead, Matthew Ratcliffe, Vasudevi Reddy, Zuzanna Rucińska, Alessandro Salice, Glenda Satne, Heribert Sattel, Christian Tewes, Dan Zahavi

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