Nature February 1987 PMID 3025745

Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.

R L Cann, M Stoneking, A C Wilson

Mentions

144
Peak: 4 in Mar 2025
across 6 sources since Dec 2018

Extended reach

6,412,243
potential audience

Total likes

423

Video views

7,034

Mentions per month

Dec 2018 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group's discussions show strong support and deep engagement with the 1987 study by Cann, Stoneking, and Wilson, citing it as the foundational evidence for the African origin of modern humans, with examples like references to mitochondrial DNA analysis and comments on the study's credibility, tone, and scientific significance. The tone is both reverent and analytical, emphasizing the enduring impact and methodological rigor of the research, which collectively contribute to high scores across all dimensions.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the validity of the study, referencing it as foundational evidence for human origins in Africa and highlighting its credibility since it has not been falsified.

InterestHigh interest

The discussions indicate a high level of interest, with many posts referencing specific research articles, scientific studies, and the implications of the findings.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts deeply engage with the methodology and implications, mentioning mitochondrial DNA analysis, the origins of modern humans, and debates about concepts like 'Mitochondrial Eve,' demonstrating active participation in scientific discourse.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective discussions underscore the significant influence of the research, affirming its role in shaping understanding of human evolution and potentially influencing contemporary scientific and popular narratives about human origins.

Abstract in brief

  • Mitochondrial DNA from 147 individuals across five populations was analyzed, tracing back to a single woman who lived around 200,000 years ago in Africa.
  • The study used restriction mapping to examine the mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited maternally and useful for studying human evolution.
  • Findings suggest that while the African population shows a single origin, all other populations have multiple origins, indicating that these regions were colonized multiple times throughout 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 · 24 likes · 929 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 · 381 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 · 6,339,303 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 →
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 · 2,401 followers 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 · 912 followers View post →

All mentions

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 · 905 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 · 77 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 · 6,339,303 followers View post →
Charlie Quirk'd Up White Boy
@RadDadRedemtn · X

@aer_anu @Grapes_O_Wrath @CatoThistlewood @CitizenGO_GB Darwin proposed humans originated in Africa in the 1800s. The first peer-reviewed research paper on the subject appeared in the 1980s, and you can read it, for free, right now. https://t.co/sHcJyijbO4

Jul 26, 2025 · 19 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 · 867 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 · 912 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 · 46 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 · 305 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 · 2,012 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 · 3 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 · 635 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 · 13,449 followers View post →
bakunin007.bsky.social
@bakunin007.bsky.social · Bluesky

Mar 26, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Cool Guy
@TheCoolGuy2525 · X

@Paul13thAccount @CundiffVanessa Well, it’s clear you don’t do real research. White media and Google will not openly talk about it, because they know it’s true. You have to read research papers and books. https://t.co/cCSssoYnJK Have you even heard of the genographic project? https://t.co/fLmo19Bto7

Feb 7, 2025 · 310 followers 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 · 24 likes · 929 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 · 240 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 · 17 followers View post →
Chroniques Archeo
@jntribolo · X

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

Jun 21, 2024 · 25,138 followers View post →
Pepe Muñoz
@PepeMunoz1 · X

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

May 26, 2024 · 1,539 followers View post →
Sukeban
@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 · 727 followers View post →
Bag Carrier
@hauxton · X

@MeMaraCass @TakethatCt @hessenjunge76 @deusxalmighty @ScientiaPercept @bolt_carl @SeamusOBrien42 @heptaglemious @KennethJOath @erikwithoutaC @Micahwitz142858 @penguinteamsix @Will_D_Fi @Zeldrin7485 @ForrestRichardA @REPENTHELLFIRE @MichaelBarisoh1 @RJDownard @SteveTiger999 @Paleoguy073 @SpudEternal @WC_Philosphy @SecularSmurf @paddy_omalley @Simple_Shaman @grego74545 @of_hate65489 @MartinJBern @Kitty71052501 @Call_Me_Emo1 @DavidCamham1 @ArkEncounter @BioLogosOrg I think you're talking about the Rebecca Cann study https://t.co/o8AgqFv8E0 You should check out the later and better study from 1987 https://t.co/aKOZhNoU7X

Jan 2, 2024 · 1 like · 1,894 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 →
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 · 2,913 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 · 540 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 · 222 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 · 2,401 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 →
SAIM '̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̋̋̋̋̋̋̋̋̋̋̋̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏̏
@simongarciac7 · X

https://t.co/7ajeyP86Bd La mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá de la mamá

Jul 14, 2021 · 28 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 · 1,176 followers View post →
Api, pengen jadi awan biru
@iconfusedzeusor · X

berikut adalah ketiga sitasi tersebut 145. DOI: 10.1038/325031a0 146. https://t.co/3HUS7wMpXP 147. DOI: 10.1126/science.278.5339.804 https://t.co/U7JkUPk2rF

Jan 14, 2021 · 130 followers View post →
jordiL
@reburbujo · X

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

Dec 8, 2020 · 326 followers View post →
雷更新世
@pleist · X

RT @GReplier: @asaokitan ミトコンドリア・イヴは14~29万年前(https://t.co/4b49gsbgOz )、Y染色体アダムは25(95 % CIで19~31)万年前(https://t.co/bdddSoaHAV )とか29(95 % CIで2…

Aug 25, 2020 · 1 share · 508 followers View post →
Garbage_Replier
@GReplier · X

@asaokitan ミトコンドリア・イヴは14~29万年前(https://t.co/4b49gsbgOz )、Y染色体アダムは25(95 % CIで19~31)万年前(https://t.co/bdddSoaHAV )とか29(95 % CIで25~34)万年前(https://t.co/Fe7ph63Khb )とかで、どちらも同じくらい昔の人ということらしいです。(続)

Aug 24, 2020 · 1 like · 1 share · 84 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 · 460 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 · 875 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 · 381 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 · 4,664 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 · 452 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 · 381 followers View post →