I've run a comparative autosomal analysis of six different Jewish populations (Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Tunisian, Yemeni, Iranian and Iraqi). The main distinctions are as expected - e.g. some Central European admixture within Ashkenazis and some Iberian and African admixture within Sephardis and Tunisians.
However, the results also indicate a subtler distinction - Ashkenazis and Iranians each show a substantial LMBA Armenian component (comprising an estimated 17-24% of their non-Central European/non-Iranian aDNA), compared to the other four Jewish populations which show no LMBA Armenian at all. (Moreover, the same analysis estimates no prior Iranian admixture within Ashkenazis.)
Any suggestions for possible explanations?
However, the results also indicate a subtler distinction - Ashkenazis and Iranians each show a substantial LMBA Armenian component (comprising an estimated 17-24% of their non-Central European/non-Iranian aDNA), compared to the other four Jewish populations which show no LMBA Armenian at all. (Moreover, the same analysis estimates no prior Iranian admixture within Ashkenazis.)
Any suggestions for possible explanations?