The latest research suggests that modern humans may have interbred with our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals, through a genetic connection with the Denisovans. The Denisovans were closely related to modern humans, with their lineage separating from ours around half a million years ago. Evidence shows that they interbred with archaic humans in Africa over 100,000 years ago, and today, their genes make up approximately 1-2% of the genome of individuals outside of Africa.

A study conducted by scientists involved analyzing the genomes of over 300 modern humans from the past 45,000 years. They compared these genomes to those of 59 archaic humans who lived between 2,200 and 45,000 years ago, as well as 275 present-day individuals from diverse human populations. The findings were published in the bioRxiv preprint database.

Researchers pinpointed a significant moment in human evolution around 47,000 years ago when the interbreeding with Denisovans occurred. This period of interbreeding lasted for approximately 6,800 years. The study also examined how Denisovan genes have been preserved in modern humans’ genomes over time. By studying the levels of Denisovan ancestry in different regions and time periods, researchers were able to determine when interbreeding took place and for how long. The peak contribution of Denisovan genes to modern humans’ genetic makeup occurred between 46,000 and 40,000 years ago.

The study also explored how the preservation of Denisovan genomes varied across different geographic regions and time periods. It was found that the presence of Denisovan genes in modern humans correlated with factors such as sunlight exposure, dietary practices, and immune system traits. This suggests that there may have been evolutionary advantages for contemporary humans in specific regions during certain periods. The researchers also discovered connections between Denisovan genes and traits such as skin color, substance metabolism, and the immune system, which may have conferred adaptive advantages for modern humans outside of Africa.

In conclusion, the Denisovan genome, although it disappeared relatively quickly, seems to have provided evolutionary advantages to modern humans in specific times and places. Researchers believe that changes in climate and cultural adaptations played a role in facilitating interbreeding between Denisovans and the ancestors of modern humans outside of Africa.