The migration and evolutionary mechanisms of northern Asian populations from the perspective of ancient genomics

The northern part of Asia, including Siberia, the Mongolian Plateau, and northern China, is not only a crossroads for population exchange on the Eurasian continent but also an important bridge connecting the American continent. This region holds a unique and irreplaceable significance in exploring the origins of humanity, tracking human migration routes, and elucidating evolutionary mechanisms. Despite the limited number of samples unearthed, varying preservation conditions, and constraints of technical means, our understanding of the interactions among populations in northern Asia is still in its infancy. However, the development of high-throughput sequencing technology and its advancement in ancient DNA research have provided us with a new perspective for delving into the genetic history of ancient populations from a molecular level. In this review, we synthesize the changes in the genetic structure of ancient populations in different stages of northern Asia, aiming to reveal the patterns of interaction among ancient populations in this region, the evolutionary process of their genetic structure, and their genetic contributions to modern populations. It will also discuss the adaptive strategies of humans in response to extreme natural conditions. This will not only deepen our understanding of the origins and migration processes of humanity but also provide a solid foundation for studying the evolutionary mechanisms and adaptive strategies of humans under environmental selective pressures.