Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet December 2005 PMID 16124858

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.

Brigitte Pakendorf, Mark Stoneking

Mentions

52
Peak: 4 in Mar 2022
across 6 sources since Jun 2019

Extended reach

6,824,751
potential audience

Total likes

57

Video views

138

Mentions per month

Jun 2019 – Dec 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter41 posts
  • Bluesky3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • News2 articles
  • Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group consistently highlights the importance of the 1987 study by Cann and colleagues, citing it as a pivotal discovery that established Africans as the origin point of modern human mitochondrial DNA. The tone is largely affirming, with many participants emphasizing its scientific validity and lasting impact, such as statements about the study's unchallenged reputation and continued relevance, showing both high interest and deep engagement with the findings.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions affirm the significance of the 1987 study by Cann et al., supporting the idea that all humans trace their maternal lineage to a common ancestor, often referred to as 'Mitochondrial Eve.'

InterestHigh interest

Participants show high curiosity, referencing multiple subsequent studies and debates, indicating strong engagement and sustained interest in the topic.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many responses include detailed citations, clarifications, and discussions about the methods and implications, reflecting deep engagement with the scientific content.

ImpactHigh impact

The widespread references and the emphasis on the foundational role of the 1987 research highlight its profound influence on understanding human evolution and genetics.

Abstract in brief

  • Human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is useful for studying human evolution because it has unique properties like high copy number, maternal inheritance, no recombination, and a high mutation rate.
  • Research has shown what we can learn from mtDNA about human population history, but future studies should also include Y-chromosome and nuclear DNA analysis to get a more complete picture.
  • Challenges such as database quality, nuclear DNA inserts, and the effect of natural selection need to be addressed; however, mtDNA will remain important for understanding human genetics, ancient DNA, forensic work, and personal genetic history.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Peter CaliE
@PeterCaliexile · X

@MikeWingerii Genetic data also suggests this view (Eve is the mother of all living) to be accurate. Cann, Stoneking, and Wilson (1987): “Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution” published in Nature.

Dec 28, 2024 · 25 likes · 983 followers View post →
JR
@S4R41_K44R · X

@adrianturner01 @TRej2011 Some papers on mDNA that disprove the concept of Adam and Eve. https://t.co/L7KPj3hrZe https://t.co/b7m3XuHCWj https://t.co/bkp2ZE5c6r https://t.co/907ICpHgNs

Jun 15, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 380 followers View post →
Grok
@grok · X

@Netandruescavap @ChopGoddess @SeibtNaomi Sources for human origins in Africa: - Cann et al. (1987), "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution," Nature 325:31-36, UC Berkeley. Confirms mtDNA origin in Africa ~140-200k years ago. - Mendez et al. (2013), "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root

Aug 6, 2025 · 4 likes · 6,758,053 followers View post →
penny
@inforapenny.bsky.social · Bluesky

"Allan Wilson favored the term “lucky mother”, to emphasize the role of chance in the survival of mtDNA lineages over time, but I guess it just wasn’t as catchy a term as Mitochondrial Eve." -Mark Stoneking, co-author of “Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution”, Nature (1987), as quoted by Gizmodo

Jul 6, 2025 · 4 likes · 1 share View post →
Eldar Asanov
@EldarEnverovich · X

@Sardor_LFC @JahongirTairov Оригинал илмий тадқиқотни ўқимай, хулосасини нотўғри тушуниб олиб, шовшув қилиб юришади доимгидай. ) Бу ҳақда ёзгандим бир пайтлар: https://t.co/7W37ihqGcK https://t.co/z1gKS6Tj6B https://t.co/6Py3vNvf8Y https://t.co/eQj9eWSF4W

Jul 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,058 followers View post →
Torsten 
@toktalks · X

@dontjustdont21 @Clown22500580 @iamshanena The sources at the end of this article should be a good start: https://t.co/XXxuP9OtQN R. Cann’s article “Mothers, Labels, and Misogyny” also has list of sources, including Cann RL, Stoneking M, Wilson AC. Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. Nature. 1987 Jan 1-7;325(6099):31-6

Aug 31, 2021 · 2 likes · 2,384 followers View post →

All mentions

Angela Madrid
@sweetFlower0070 · X

@dalit_in That famous article, “Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution” came to that puzzling conclusion: all human beings come from a single woman, who was quickly christened “Mitochondrial Eve”.

Dec 3, 2025 · 1 like · 166 followers View post →
Angela Madrid
@sweetFlower0070 · X

@dalit_in In 1987 a team of researchers published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature that mitochondrial DNA proves that all of today’s humanity comes from a single woman. That famous article, “Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution” uncover the family tree of human evolution.

Dec 3, 2025 · 166 followers View post →
Blodjan
@Blodjans · X

@Deivi80989162 @SSantiagoBarr @purgadeaseres Estos fechados recientes para el origen de H sapiens están respaldados por datos genéticos que indican una raíz africana reciente para los linajes mitocondriales humanos. Cann, R. et al (1987). Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. Nature 325, 31–36.

Nov 26, 2025 · 907 followers View post →
ياسين
@ysyn387301 · X

لعبت الدراسات الجينية دوراً حاسماً في ترسيخ هذه النظرية: عنوان المقالة: Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution نُشرت في: Nature

Nov 18, 2025 View post →
Patrick mills
@Patrick80006240 · X

@MaraAgainToo @OlisCory @NotEvolution1 Cann, Rebecca L., Mark Stoneking, and Allan C. Wilson. “Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution.” Nature 325 (1987): 31–36.

Oct 7, 2025 · 72 followers View post →
Grok
@grok · X

@Netandruescavap @ChopGoddess @SeibtNaomi Sources for human origins in Africa: - Cann et al. (1987), "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution," Nature 325:31-36, UC Berkeley. Confirms mtDNA origin in Africa ~140-200k years ago. - Mendez et al. (2013), "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root

Aug 6, 2025 · 4 likes · 6,758,053 followers View post →
ci2twit
@ci2twit · X

@dondank69 @KoffeeKommander @darwintojesus Mitochondrial Eve. 1987 research by Rebecca Cann, Mark Stoneking, and Allan Wilson, published in Nature (titled "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution"). https://t.co/K6xQq5qOmQ This study has NEVER been falsified, despite the horde of scientists who share your sentiments.

Jul 16, 2025 · 844 followers View post →
penny
@inforapenny.bsky.social · Bluesky

"Allan Wilson favored the term “lucky mother”, to emphasize the role of chance in the survival of mtDNA lineages over time, but I guess it just wasn’t as catchy a term as Mitochondrial Eve." -Mark Stoneking, co-author of “Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution”, Nature (1987), as quoted by Gizmodo

Jul 6, 2025 · 4 likes · 1 share View post →
Serioscha R
@Subamarus · X

@Swiss_Q_22 @ArnoldM5116755 Gerne. Ich hab noch die Studien, auf welche ich mich beziehe: Rebecca L. Cann et al. (1987): Diese bahnbrechende Studie führte zur Identifikation der sogenannten „Mitochondrialen Eva“ und legte den Grundstein für die „Out-of-Africa“-Hypothese. https://t.co/rVizpD1bxp

May 14, 2025 · 2 likes · 937 followers View post →
Forbidden Feed
@Forbidden_Feed · X

@kanoben_ @fi_ki415 @Ms_1776 @ClownWorld_ 1. Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution (1987) This groundbreaking study introduced the concept of “Mitochondrial Eve,” showing all modern humans can trace maternal ancestry back to Africa. URL: https://t.co/z7Be6JKZTZ

May 8, 2025 · 41 followers View post →
Bradley Uppercrust da 3rd
@DaUppercrust · X

@0magazu @MsClaritea @DOmowale Stoneking's 1987 mtDNA study showed highest genetic diversity in Africa, tracing all modern human maternal lines back there, supporting African origin of global genetic diversity. Source: Cann, R.L., Stoneking, M. and Wilson, A.C. (1987) Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.

May 1, 2025 · 329 followers View post →
snizzle
@snizzle2013 · X

@Connor1337128 @dvader518 @NotEvolution1 Wrong. The first major attempt to map the global human genetic pool was the 1987 study "Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution".

Apr 25, 2025 · 165 followers View post →
Builder of Spine one call at a time!!
@oldfraildems.bsky.social · Bluesky

prestigious scientific journal Nature that mitochondrial DNA proves that all of today’s humanity comes from a single woman, we would certainly not be so quick to dismiss it. The findings are not even current. That famous article, “Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution”

Apr 3, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share View post →
GJ
@johnstontalk · X

The findings are not even current. That famous article, “Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution” was published in 1987 and was the first study to uncover the family tree of human evolution.

Apr 2, 2025 · 2,018 followers View post →
a dandelion
@a_dandelion____ · X

@LottoLine649 @EasyAddendum @ArchTheAtheist I can see you have never worked in a lab or with academics who write reports. If you did, you'd know they're less reliable than God. Plus, they rot at dating things accurately. https://t.co/nhqQ52oLZ7

Mar 31, 2025 · 4 followers View post →
Fusagasugá Fusa
@Fusagasuga74746 · X

RT @ateoyagnostico: Por si las dudas: Cann, R.L., Stoneking, M., & Wilson, A.C. (1987). "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution." Nature htt…

Mar 27, 2025 · 1 share · 687 followers View post →
Soy Ateo
@ateoyagnostico · X

Por si las dudas: Cann, R.L., Stoneking, M., & Wilson, A.C. (1987). "Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution." Nature https://t.co/uAgtnv5Cew Stringer, C.B., & Andrews, P. (1988). "Genetic and fossil evidence for the origin of modern humans." Science. https://t.co/p7gpUblg68 ¿Sigo? https://t.co/9zJUvMi3wt

Mar 27, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 13,294 followers View post →
bakunin007.bsky.social
@bakunin007.bsky.social · Bluesky

Mar 26, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Peter CaliE
@PeterCaliexile · X

@MikeWingerii Genetic data also suggests this view (Eve is the mother of all living) to be accurate. Cann, Stoneking, and Wilson (1987): “Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution” published in Nature.

Dec 28, 2024 · 25 likes · 983 followers View post →
OmniScience
@workolique · X

@NBL_DZ @AbuAtaAlAthari 1.Tishkoff et al., 2009 (Nature Genetics). 2.Cann et al., 1987 (Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution). 3.Henn et al., 2012 (Science). https://t.co/e6GK6n4Jxs and Durbin, 2011 (Nature). https://t.co/DgFqHnXt6b et al., 2010 (A draft sequence of the Neandertal genome).

Dec 5, 2024 · 258 followers View post →
Unveiling Dogma Project
@UnveilingDogma · X

@aigkenham @CommunityNotes Kens claim "Because all humans are descendants of Adam and Eve" is not factual and is misinformation. The rest of the post is a mess as well. Mitochondrial Eve and Y-Chromosome Adam:"Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution" by Cann, Stoneking, and Wilson, Nature

Aug 26, 2024 · 1 like · 16 followers View post →
Chroniques Archeo
@jntribolo · X

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution https://t.co/84tjrla0Vx #archeology #Archeological #wonderful #archeologie #history

Jun 21, 2024 · 24,766 followers View post →
Pepe Muñoz
@PepeMunoz1 · X

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution https://t.co/FddXJgluKE

May 26, 2024 · 1,533 followers View post →
Human Engram.
@Thirteenthsteps · X

@heckerchonmker @PoliticalFella You can't find anything on Rebecca Cann? https://t.co/zQdM2uDeyr Strange. Took me 5 minutes. You didn't even look, did you? https://t.co/m3HrsxonE7

Jan 12, 2024 · 748 followers View post →
Afegão Médio
@afega0medi0 · X

@lybrjack Precisa ler mais sobre o trabalho da Doutora Rebecca Louise Cann e que prova que viemos de uma única mãe: https://t.co/c19YdwEX8z

Nov 17, 2023 · 35 followers View post →
Eldar Asanov
@EldarEnverovich · X

@Sardor_LFC @JahongirTairov Оригинал илмий тадқиқотни ўқимай, хулосасини нотўғри тушуниб олиб, шовшув қилиб юришади доимгидай. ) Бу ҳақда ёзгандим бир пайтлар: https://t.co/7W37ihqGcK https://t.co/z1gKS6Tj6B https://t.co/6Py3vNvf8Y https://t.co/eQj9eWSF4W

Jul 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 3,058 followers View post →
huusarit
@vaarinhousut · X

@Terojanen @SarasvuoJari @AaljokiKari ☝️ Näin on näppylät. Sen lisäksi mitokondrioiden DNA ei rekombinoidu, joka osaltaan helpottaa populaatioiden ja niiden muuttoliikkeiden tarkastelua. https://t.co/GxhuW8Zo6S

Jul 22, 2023 · 2 likes · 33 followers View post →
GIBERING BOL ALIMA
@alima_bol · X

Cann RL, Stoneking M, Wilson AC (1987) Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. Nature, 325: 31-36.

May 30, 2023 · 2,914 followers View post →
roderickshaka
@roderickshaka · X

@Yousef_8761 @AlesayMotaz @samofthehil @THR your DNA does disprove adam. 1️⃣our DNA contains MTDNA which proves human evolution out of Africa 200,000 years ago. 2️⃣we already finished sequencing neanderthal DNA they were another hominid specie that bred with humans, & their DNA is found in humans. https://t.co/ocY4pWd2u8

Apr 25, 2022 · 4 followers View post →
Alisha Laws
@AlishaLaws6 · X

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution https://t.co/0mYkUuXc6E

Mar 26, 2022 · 556 followers View post →
Alisha Laws
@AlishaLaws6 · X

mitochondrial DNA Unlike nuclear DNA, which comes from both parents, mitochondrial DNA comes only from the mother. https://t.co/aJm1sFsEiq

Mar 26, 2022 · 556 followers View post →
secondarylcs
@secondarylcs · X

Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution https://t.co/A1nIk7u7db Upon testing the Mitochondrial DNA of 147 participants from around the world in 1987, scientific authors Rebecca Louise Cann, Mark Stoneking and Allan Charl...

Mar 14, 2022 · 13 followers View post →
secondarylcs
@secondarylcs · X

Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution https://t.co/LOrqdLBARK In 1987, geneticists Allan Wilson, Rebecca Louise Cann, and Mark Stoneking published the article "Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution", in which they showed...

Mar 13, 2022 · 13 followers View post →
/dəˈnī/
@de___ny · X

@thursdxx mitochondrial DNA and human evolution อะนะ

Nov 15, 2021 · 220 followers View post →
Torsten 
@toktalks · X

@dontjustdont21 @Clown22500580 @iamshanena The sources at the end of this article should be a good start: https://t.co/XXxuP9OtQN R. Cann’s article “Mothers, Labels, and Misogyny” also has list of sources, including Cann RL, Stoneking M, Wilson AC. Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. Nature. 1987 Jan 1-7;325(6099):31-6

Aug 31, 2021 · 2 likes · 2,384 followers View post →
Cony
@Conyweasley1 · X

@Marquitoss_10 @al3xsk Cann RL, Stoneking M, Wilson AC (1987). «Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution». Nature Sino hay 800 videitos más fáciles en youtube, explicados con peras y manzanas. Recomiendo buscar, es un tema muy interesante. Saludos!

Jul 17, 2021 · 87 followers View post →
AstenB
@Beyoku · X

Exhibit 2: "Mitochondrial DNA didn't exist" before the 1987 publication of of "Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution" by Cann et al. Therefore "if you were born before 1987 that can't apply to you and your ancestors". What is "shit people say on clubhouse for 200".

Jun 14, 2021 · 1 like · 1,192 followers View post →
jordiL
@reburbujo · X

@AstrozaFlavio2 @NorseMinarchy https://t.co/FSxAc4whOZ

Dec 8, 2020 · 323 followers View post →
MaraCass
@Mara_Cassanndra · X

@TouquetWes @Don_Cheeze @Joe38S @PamelaGeller DNA trace, there is no better evidence, it's used to give people the death penalty in courts, also replicated and peer reviewed: All humans are descended from one human female https://t.co/hSRtjN20N8

Jul 22, 2020 · 457 followers View post →
Ahmet Kıraç
@ahmetkirac · X

1 R. L. Cann, M. Stoneking, A. C. Wilson, Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.Nature 325, 31–36 (1987). https://t.co/5oc3jrgVBM

Apr 16, 2020 · 902 followers View post →
JR
@S4R41_K44R · X

@collum444 @Cern_lXXl @zypisfy @maozedong9876 @Perdnoot @S37769965 @CATGOD24 @davidjdennison1 @imkimaaron @Wolfpak561 @Falchion14 @rmbctious @davestewart4444 @WFatmun @Duke1CA @mjtobias1997 @TheophilusPrime @mikenedie @MoneeStorm @tklforgiven @zafarmir6 @PILiberal2 @AprilLigeia @Dylon59556561 @questions_faith @rkdoctr @ax2n38 @bikinatroll @AdamBlackstar @God2Evolution @1CubbieKat1 @AwayFromTheKeys @yourmumspants @R0samond @revraygreen @nlitendchild @PastorAlexLove @debbiepalm44 @zapher134 @tcunderdahl @redhotflashmama @usmagrad87 @Oswald1160 @SlavGeorgiev @__Helicon__ @Wrong_Verb @VFracos @Chrisinatent @alan244g @slwn43 Genetic samples are collected and studied quite regularly actually. It has helped us to, for example, trace humanity back to its African origins. They do it by looking for haplogroups in human populations. https://t.co/b7m3XuHCWj

Jul 21, 2019 · 380 followers View post →
The Rejected
@TRej2011 · X

RT @S4R41_K44R: @adrianturner01 @TRej2011 Some papers on mDNA that disprove the concept of Adam and Eve. https://t.co/L7KPj3hrZe https://t.…

Jun 15, 2019 · 2 shares · 4,648 followers View post →
Fred MacManus
@FredMacManus · X

RT @S4R41_K44R: @adrianturner01 @TRej2011 Some papers on mDNA that disprove the concept of Adam and Eve. https://t.co/L7KPj3hrZe https://t.…

Jun 15, 2019 · 2 shares · 450 followers View post →
JR
@S4R41_K44R · X

@adrianturner01 @TRej2011 Some papers on mDNA that disprove the concept of Adam and Eve. https://t.co/L7KPj3hrZe https://t.co/b7m3XuHCWj https://t.co/bkp2ZE5c6r https://t.co/907ICpHgNs

Jun 15, 2019 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 380 followers View post →