A new method of modeling genetic data has revealed a split in human ancestry dating back 1.5 million years, according to researchers published in Nature Genetics. The two populations eventually reconnected, and the study suggests that one population’s genes may have improved human brain function. The study used advanced techniques to analyze vast amounts of data from ancient DNA projects, revealing two ancestral populations: A and B. Population A experienced a significant bottleneck, but recovered and gave rise to groups like the Neanderthals and Denisovans.
Researchers estimate that Population B makes up around 20% of the modern human genome, which could have played a crucial role in human evolution. The genes from Population B are believed to be related to brain function and neural processing. However, it’s essential to note that the study couldn’t run models on available Neanderthal and Denisovans data sets, which remains an ongoing research challenge.
The study’s findings suggest that our understanding of human history is far more complex than previously thought, with interbreeding and genetic exchange likely playing a significant role in species evolution. The researchers’ discovery highlights the importance of continued advancements in DNA modeling techniques, enabling scientists to reconstruct events from millions of years ago using ancient DNA today.
The study’s authors believe that their findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of human history and evolution more broadly. As Trevor Cousins, first author of the study, stated, “The idea of species evolving in clean, distinct lineages is too simplistic.” The researchers’ work challenges this notion, emphasizing the significance of genetic exchange in shaping the emergence of new species across the animal kingdom.
Source: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a64232072/mysterious-population-humans-dna