Humans interbred with multiple Denisovan populations, study finds

Recent research reveals that early humans interbred with at least three different Denisovan populations, not just one as previously thought. This finding shows that Denisovan DNA is present in various modern human groups, including East Asians and Indigenous Americans. Initially, it was believed that only Papuans carried Denisovan DNA, with up to 5 percent in their genomes. New evidence indicates that smaller amounts of Denisovan genetic material are also found in other populations, suggesting multiple interbreeding events. Denisovans, known from limited fossil remains, had developed genetic adaptations for survival in harsh environments. These adaptations, such as tolerance to low oxygen and improved fat metabolism, were likely passed to modern humans through interbreeding. The study is published in Nature Genetics.