By analyzing DNA extracted from the bones and teeth of 35 individuals entombed at Hazleton North long cairn in the Cotswolds-Severn region, the research team was able to detect that 27 of them were close biological relatives. The group lived approximately 5700 years ago -- around 3700-3600 BC -- around 100 years after farming had been introduced to Britain.
Published in Nature, it is the first study to reveal in such detail how prehistoric families were structured, and the international team of archaeologists and geneticists say that the results provide new insights into kinship and burial practices in Neolithic times.
What has been revealed by analysis of ancient DNA from one of Britain's best-preserved Neolithic tombs?
Result:
AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 2: "More than half of them were close relatives."
Explanation: This option is correct as the text states that 27 out of 35 individuals were close biological relatives, which is indeed more than half. This aligns with the main idea of the text regarding family structure.
Option 1: "The results provide new insights into neolithic art."
Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text specifically discusses insights into kinship and burial practices, not neolithic art. There is no mention of art in the analysis of the DNA.
Option 3: "Agriculture hadn’t been invented when the group were living."
Explanation: This option is incorrect because the text mentions that the group lived around 100 years after farming had been introduced to Britain, indicating that agriculture was already present during their time.
Option 4: "All of the people buried in the neolithic tombs are descended from five generations of one extended family."
Explanation: This option is incorrect as it implies that all individuals were descendants of five generations, while the text states that most were from a single extended family, not all. This is a misinterpretation of the information provided.
Option 5: "It reveals the details of the organization of the prehistoric family."
Explanation: This option is correct because the text explicitly states that the study reveals how prehistoric families were structured, which directly relates to the organization of the family.
The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.
Sign in to read the full explanation