Researchers identify traces of two ‘ghost’ ancestors in modern human DNA
Researchers have identified two previously unknown ancestral lineages by analyzing modern human DNA and reconstructing missing parts of the human family tree. This new method allows scientists to trace interbreeding events that occurred over 50,000 years ago.
Why it matters
This discovery provides deeper insight into human evolution and the complex history of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and extinct human relatives.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of two previously unknown ancestral lineages by working backward from DNA in living people. - Andriy Onufriyenko/Moment RF/Getty Images Clues emerging from DNA could unlock the mystery of human ancestors that are missing from the fossil record yet present in the genes of people living today.
Scientists found evidence years ago that our species, Homo sapiens, had interbred with now-extinct human relatives, including Neanderthals and Denisovans. But some lineages have been difficult to identify, because — unlike Neanderthals and Denisovans, whose DNA has been recovered from prehistoric remains — they are essentially genetic "ghosts," with no DNA proof of their existence to compare with the hints spotted in our genomes.
While previous studies have discovered remnants of the ghost lineages, they could not determine when the interbreeding happened or how far back these lineages diverged from the ancestors of modern humans.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in