In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have identified a new species of ancient human from the Denisova Cave in Siberia. The discovery of this species, named Denisova 11, sheds new light on the complex evolutionary history of humans and their interactions with other hominin species.
Denisova 11 belonged to a group known as the Denisovans, who were closely related to Neanderthals. The Denisovans are known to have interbred with both Neanderthals and modern humans, leaving a genetic legacy that is still present in some populations today. This new species adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the story of human evolution is far more complex than previously thought.
The researchers were able to extract DNA from a tiny bone fragment found in the Denisova Cave and sequence the genome of Denisova 11. They found that this individual lived around 100,000 years ago and had a close genetic relationship to other Denisovans. However, Denisova 11 also had a significant amount of Neanderthal DNA, indicating that interbreeding between these two groups was common.
This discovery highlights the importance of studying ancient DNA in order to understand the relationships between different human species. By analyzing the genetic material of ancient hominins, scientists can piece together the puzzle of human evolution and uncover the hidden history of our species.
The identification of Denisova 11 adds a new chapter to the story of human evolution and underscores the need for further research into the genetic diversity of ancient human populations. As our understanding of our ancient ancestors continues to grow, so too does our appreciation for the rich tapestry of human evolution.
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