A new genetic study details the development and evolution of DNA among the diverse cultures of modern Britons.

The study reveals some 30 percent of Britons originated from German ancestors. This Anglo Saxon influence in Britain was transferred to the island by Saxon natives from Germany that migrated to the islands during the 5th century.

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This study involved 2,000 participants in England and was conducted to develop a precise DNA history from the genetic codes of modern day Britons. It was carried out by researchers from the University College London, University of Oxford and the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

Apart from German roots, Viking and Norman DNA evidence are also present in modern Britons. There are also French and Danish sources.

Even if centuries of invasions by Normans, Vikings and Romans were endured by the island nation, only a small amount of the DNA of these peoples trickled down to the genes of modern day Britons.

On another important note, the findings also revealed the Britons' genetic makeup differs greatly depending on the region. Those that are natives of Ireland, Scotland and Wales were discovered to possess a distinct genetic history compared to any other part of the United Kingdom.

The Celtic regions could be expected to present genetic similarities, according to Mark Robinson of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. They are, however, the most diverse according to the findings. This means there are substantial genetic differences from others.

Since the Celtic people were the most genetically diverse group in the United Kingdom, it debunks the theory of a single heritage

Prehistoric people that used to live in the region in Europe now known as France were the first people to migrate to the island some 10,000 years ago during the end of the last major Ice Age.

Researchers observed their subjects during a 20 year period in which they collected their DNA. The subjects were all of Caucasian ancestry and lived in rural areas. Their grandparents resided within 50 miles of each other.

The study also determined the Welsh were the most similar to the original inhabitants of the nation. This also means some regional groups remained independent for several centuries before interbreeding.

This study was published in the journal, Nature.

TagsFirst DNA Study of Britain's Genetic History: Vikings Have Little to Do with It, UK, DNA study genetic history Britain Britons, DNA genetic study vikings britain