Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in ancient China that sheds new light on the origins of Tibetan people. A DNA study of over 100 genomes from people who lived in ancient China has identified a “ghost” lineage thought to be extinct, but now linked to the ancient mystery population in Tibet.
The study analyzed the genomes of skeletons dating back between 1,400 and 7,150 years, with the oldest individual found to be a crucial link between Tibetans and this previously unknown lineage. The genetic analysis revealed that the Tibetan ghost lineage is distinct from other East Asian populations, including Neanderthals and Denisovans.
The study’s findings suggest that the Basal Asian Xingyi lineage diverged from other humans at least 40,000 years ago and was isolated for thousands of years before interbreeding with other groups. The mixed population has contributed genes to some Tibetans today.
However, the researchers caution that further research is needed due to the limited genetic evidence from a single individual.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/newly-discovered-ghost-lineage-linked-to-ancient-mystery-population-in-tibet-dna-study-finds