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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 March 2025

Home / UPSC / Current Affairs / Human Evolution- Modern humans likely descended from two ancient populations

Human Evolution- Modern humans likely descended from two ancient populations

Why in News:

  • Recent research published in Nature Genetics challenges the conventional belief that modern humans originated from a single ancestral population. Instead, the study suggests that Homo sapiens evolved from two distinct ancient populations, which intermingled approximately 300,000 years ago.
  • This finding has significant implications for understanding human evolutionary history and the genetic contributions of early hominins.
Human Evolution- Modern humans likely descended from two ancient populations

Key Findings of the Study

  • Two Ancestral Populations:
    • One group contributed 80% and another 20% of the modern human genome.
    • These populations coexisted and later merged, shaping the genetic diversity seen today.
  • Use of Advanced Genetic Models:
    • The study utilized data from the 1000 Genomes Project, which includes DNA sequences from populations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
    • A computational model called COBRAA was used to analyze genetic mutations and reconstruct ancestral population dynamics.
  • Evolutionary Implications:
    • The larger ancestral group was likely the common ancestor of Neanderthals and Denisovans, who later diverged.
    • Genetic mixing was more extensive than previously believed, with modern humans receiving ten times more genetic material from these early populations than from Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Fossil evidence suggests that Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis may have been the primary ancestors of Homo sapiens.

Significance of the Research

  • Challenges the “Single-Origin” Hypothesis:
    • Earlier models suggested that modern humans arose from a single African population.
    • This study indicates that human evolution was more complex, involving multiple interacting populations.
  • Reinforces the Role of Genetic Mixing:
    • Previous studies found 2-5% Neanderthal DNA in non-African modern humans.
    • This new research shows that earlier interbreeding events contributed a much higher proportion of genetic material to modern humans.
  • Fossil Evidence and Further Research:
    • Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived in Africa and other regions during this period, but their exact role in human ancestry remains uncertain.
    • Further ancient DNA analysis and fossil discoveries are needed to confirm these findings.

Conclusion

The study presents a new paradigm in human evolutionary history, suggesting that modern humans emerged through genetic contributions from multiple ancestral populations rather than a single lineage. This research highlights the need for further investigations into ancient DNA, fossil records, and advanced genetic modeling to refine our understanding of human origins.

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