They were early.

They were distinct.

And in later samples from the same plateau, their specific genetic signature could no longer be found.

What “Basal Lineage” Actually Means

The language of population genetics can be precise in ways that mislead if not carefully explained.

The term “basal lineage” carries a specific technical meaning that is easy to misread in either direction — toward mystification (a lost race, a mystery people with no relatives) or toward dismissal (just another Native American group, nothing special).

The truth is more nuanced than either of those readings.