belonged to mitochondrial DNA haplogroup U5, although this cannot demonstrate a direct connection between Cheddar Man and this individual, and many people with the same mtDNA haplogroup could probably be found even within the local area. The programme generated coverage in national and international media, which focused mainly on the supposed relationship between Cheddar Man and the local history teacher, and failed to emphasise that mitochondrial DNA is only passed on through the mother, and makes up only a small proportion of an individual's genome. In 2018 the publication of the genetics study by Brace et al. and subsequent facial reconstruction of a dark-skinned Cheddar Man resulted in widespread media coverage which again described Cheddar Man as the 'first Brit', and led to discussion on social media involving themes of immigration, national identity, race, and Brexit. The study was interpreted both as an anti-racist response to anti-immigration arguments and as left-wing academic propaganda. Cheddar Man's predicted dark skin colour and the expertise of the authors of the study have been disputed on social media. See also Boxgrove Genetic history of the British Isles List of human evolution fossils List of prehistoric structures in Great Britain Paviland Notes References External links Lyall, Sarah (24 March 1997). "Tracing Your Family Tree to Cheddar Man's Mum". New York Times. Retrieved 9 February 2018. Genetics in the United Kingdom History of Somerset Mendip Hills Mesolithic Homo sapiens fossils 1903 archaeological discoveries Prehistoric Britain Stone Age Britain