What is demic?

Demic diffusion, also known as demic expansion, is a process in population genetics and archaeology that describes the spread of a population into new areas, often accompanied by interbreeding with existing populations. This movement results in a gradual change in the genetic makeup of the populations in the region.

Key aspects of demic diffusion include:

• Population Movement: It involves the physical migration of a group of people from one area to another.
• Genetic Admixture: Upon encountering existing populations, interbreeding occurs, leading to a mix of genes from both groups. This Genetic%20Admixture creates a blended gene pool.
• Language Spread: Demic diffusion is often associated with the spread of languages, as the migrating population may introduce their language to the new region.
• Cultural Transmission: Alongside genes and language, cultural practices, and technologies can also spread through demic diffusion.
• Archaeological Evidence: The process can be traced through archaeological findings, such as the distribution of artifacts and settlement patterns.

Examples of demic diffusion include the spread of agriculture from the Near East into Europe during the Neolithic period, involving the migration of farmers who introduced new crops and farming techniques. This Neolithic%20Revolution led to significant changes in European populations and cultures. The Indo-European%20Migration is another notable example, where the spread of Indo-European languages across Eurasia is often linked to the movement of populations.