The study reported genome-wide data from 21 individuals — meaning that they were able to recover information from across the entire genome, not just from a few specific genetic markers.

This genome-wide data is what allows the detailed population genetic comparisons that the paper’s conclusions depend on.

Of the 21 individuals, seven were associated with the Checua site and the Preceramic period dating to approximately 6,000 years before present.

Nine came from a site called Laguna de la Herrera, dating to approximately 2,000 years before present and associated with the Herrera ceramic complex.

Three individuals came from sites called Las Delicias and Soacha, associated with both early and late Muisca culture and dating to approximately 1,200 and 520 years before present respectively.