Evidence for Human Lineage through 200,000 Years Old ‘Baby Tooth’

The molar tooth got found in Denisova Cave in Siberia. Scientists said that it is at least 20,000 years older than previously analyzed Denisovan fossils. DNA from the new fossil brought a wider picture of extinct human lineage that occupied the Middle of Asia. The fossil found is from a young girl.

The study suggested that it allowed potential interbreeding with Neanderthals. The only survivors of human lineage and other hominins are modern humans. The other hominins included modern humans, extinct human species and their immediate ancestors. The closest extinct relatives of modern humans are Neanderthals and Denisovans. Denisovans lived in an area that extends from Siberia to Southeast Asia.

Researchers analyzed the DNA from fossils to show the existence of Denisovans in the year 2010. The study suggested that the lineage shared common ancestor with Neanderthals. Genetically, both Denisovans and Neanderthals are different from each other just like Neanderthals are from modern humans.

By: Bhavna Sharma

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