A recent genetic study has revealed that a “mystery population” of human ancestors gave modern humans 20% of their genes, which may have contributed to improved brain function. The researchers used a new method called “cobraa” to analyze genomic data from the 1000 Genomes Project and the Human Genome Diversity Project.
The study found that two main ancestral groups split around 1.5 million years ago, with one group (Population A) experiencing a bottleneck and growing over time. This group eventually gave rise to humans, while another group (Population B) contributed 20% of modern human DNA.
Researchers believe that genes from Population B, particularly those related to brain function, may have played a crucial role in human evolution. However, the exact origins of these populations remain unclear. The study suggests that there was no single “ghost population” but rather multiple groups that interbred and exchanged genetic material over time.
The findings challenge the long-held idea of species evolving in clean, distinct lineages, highlighting the importance of interbreeding and genetic exchange in human evolution. Further research is needed to confirm these results and shed more light on the origins of modern humans.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/mystery-population-of-human-ancestors-gave-us-20-percent-of-our-genes-and-may-have-boosted-our-brain-function