Sep 18

Neanderthal and Denisovan Genomes

This symposium brings together researchers at the forefront of ancient DNA research and population genetics to discuss current developments and share insights about human migration and adaptation.

The Denisovan or Denisova hominin is an extinct species or subspecies of human in the genus Homo. Pending its status as either species or subspecies it currently carries the temporary names Homo sp. Altai, or Homo sapiens ssp. Denisova. In March 2010, scientists announced the discovery of a finger bone fragment of a juvenile female who lived about 41,000 years ago, found in the remote Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains in Siberia, a cave that has also been inhabited by Neanderthals and modern humans. Two teeth belonging to different members of the same population have since been reported. In November 2015, a tooth fossil containing DNA was reported to have been found and studied.

Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the finger bone showed it to be genetically distinct from the mtDNAs of Neanderthals and modern humans. Subsequent study of the nuclear genome from this specimen suggests that Denisovans shared a common origin with Neanderthals, that they ranged from Siberia to Southeast Asia, and that they lived among and interbred with the ancestors of some modern humans, with about 3% to 5% of the DNA of Melanesians and Aboriginal Australians deriving from Denisovans.

4 Responses to “Neanderthal and Denisovan Genomes”

  1. Jon W

    This makes me wish I had a home genetic chemistry set to compare samples of “undiscovered non-human primate” DNA samples to known human primate samples.
    Has anyone ever taken all DNA samples labeled “undiscovered non-human primate” and compared them and , if so, what was the outcome?
    …I guess if this had happened and there were strong correlation we would have ourselves a newly discovered species.

  2. NW Mike

    That was really interesting. The analysis of the archaic genomes is filling in details of the human story. I can see where this will become more relevant when Sasquatch genome results are finally accepted as legitimate. The interesting things that will result from further genetic analysis of a wider human dataset could be epic. Then add to that a larger Sasquatch dataset and the analysis begins to rewrite the history books. I hope this unfolds within my lifetime. Thanks for posting this Wes.

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