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Evolution: Researchers have found evidence of extinct 'ghost ancestors'
Germany🔬 Science6 hr. ago

Evolution: Researchers have found evidence of extinct 'ghost ancestors'

Scientists have identified genetic traces in modern humans that suggest interbreeding with previously unknown ancient human lineages, referred to as 'ghost ancestors.' These findings, published in the journal Science, reveal that these genetic contributions come from two distinct groups: one that mixed with early humans over 50,000 years ago, likely in Africa, and another that dates back approximately 1.8 million years, linked to Denisovans. The research used advanced genomic techniques to analyze hundreds of genomes, allowing researchers to pinpoint specific genetic segments originating from these mysterious ancestors. One lineage contributes about 1% of the genome, comparable to Neanderthal ancestry, while the other represents a more distant, super-archaic ancestor. The study challenges previous assumptions by showing that such interbreeding occurred across all modern human populations, not just those of African descent.

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Der Spiegel logoDer SpiegelIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
Evolution: Researchers have found evidence of extinct 'ghost ancestors'

Scientists have identified genetic traces in modern humans that suggest interbreeding with previously unknown ancient human lineages, referred to as 'ghost ancestors.' These findings, published in the journal Science, reveal that these genetic contributions come from two distinct groups: one that mixed with early humans over 50,000 years ago, likely in Africa, and another that dates back approximately 1.8 million years, linked to Denisovans. The research used advanced genomic techniques to analyze hundreds of genomes, allowing researchers to pinpoint specific genetic segments originating from these mysterious ancestors. One lineage contributes about 1% of the genome, comparable to Neanderthal ancestry, while the other represents a more distant, super-archaic ancestor. The study challenges previous assumptions by showing that such interbreeding occurred across all modern human populations, not just those of African descent.

Bias read (Center): The article presents scientific findings without overt ideological framing. It focuses on biological and evolutionary research, using neutral language and citing academic sources. There is no indication of political bias or agenda-driven interpretation.

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