Archaeological evidence has shown that our modern human ancestors did not shy away from jumping in bed with other early hominin groups their paths crossed with during windows in evolutionary history. It has long been known that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred quite a bit, and repeatedly at that. However, most recent findings have found that our ancestors were a lot more adventurous than we thought.
For a long time, scientists assumed
human evolution was a neat, linear process. We mingled, swapped DNA and picked up genes that helped us thrive in different environments. Thanks to recent
genetic research, scientists now know that Denisovans played a big part in this story – and they did it in more ways than one. Evidence shows that Denisovans contributed DNA to our ancestors not just once, but in at least three separate
interbreeding events!
Unlike Neanderthal remains, scientists have but a few Denisovan fossils to study — a pinky finger bone, jaw, teeth, and skull fragments. And this is likely why we have taken longer to piece together their history and relationship to us. While the quest continues to uncover more Denisovan remains, new research has already revealed some fascinating details about how these ancient relatives help us today.
For instance, bits of
Denisovan DNA were found in the genomes of people living today, especially in regions where survival meant adapting to extreme conditions. As it turns out, a Denisovan gene helps people cope with low oxygen levels at high altitudes in
Tibetan populations. In Arctic Inuit populations, Denisovan genes help people generate extra warmth to combat freezing temperatures. Other Denisovan genes boost our immune system, making us more resilient in the face of illness.
So, the next time you’re taking a deep breath at high altitudes or bundling up against the cold, remember: you might just be tapping into some ancient Denisovan resilience that’s been part of your genetic code for thousands of years.
