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By analysing genetic variation between and within extant human populations it is possible to make inferences about the origins and relationships of our ancestors. Although the autosomes give us a representative account of genomic history in humans, the unique characteristics of the maternally inherited mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) and the paternally inherited Y chromosome can provide information about the histories specific to women and men. Current evidence suggests a recent African origin for modern humans