In the rainforests of Africa, being small is so helpful that it evolved twice in separate groups. This suggests they evolved their stature independently instead of inheriting the same “pygmy genes” from a common ancestor. ...

What is the origin of pygmies?

The origins of pygmies have long been a mystery. ... The founding group of pygmy ancestors was fairly cohesive, with tribes interbreeding until 2800 years ago. At that point, taller Bantu-speaking farmers probably swept across central Africa and pushed them apart. Once the pygmy groups split, they stopped interbreeding.

Are pygmies a different race?

The Pygmies are then the oldest living race in Africa with the exception of the Bushmen. The blood groups and sickling of the Pygmies are considered in relation to other African races.