Just a bit of speculation. I don't think that this particular trait would be with the mtDNA because if I remember correctly, that simply has a function of carrying genetic codes from the periphery to the nucleus of the cell. Therefore, like blood types, the gene for the particular trait must be part of the molecular structure within the nucleus of the cell. This does not necessarily mean that it is passed down through the paternal line. There may be an equal probability that it was passed down through either the maternal or paternal lines from some ancestor, regardless of how ancient. In the studies mentioned, the closest European population group would be the one in the Balkans region. The gene may have been transmitted with the early neolithic settlers from the Middle East who came across Anatolia (modern day Turkey). This would be Mediterranean but not necessarily Oriental or Asian. What we are talking about is gene frequency in a population. The gene may have a declining frequency starting from a particular location somewhere in the East, as for example, the incidence of type B blood which is high in the Middle Eastern populations and declines moving westward across Europe, originally non-existent among the Basques and presumably also among the early Irish population. Because of the Mediterranean element, my guess is that it was originally transmitted from somewhere in Asia perhaps along a trading route and then through southern France, southern Germany, or Switzerland. Michael O'Hearn ____________________________________________________________________________________ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail