Denisovans are known from bones found in Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains in Siberia, but traces of their DNA are found in Australians and Melanesians, whose ancestors likely migrated across Asia much farther to the south. How can these geographic differences be reconciled?

Key Concepts

Human Migration

Human migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often influenced by environmental, social, and economic factors. In the context of Denisovans, understanding the routes and patterns of ancient human migration helps explain how their DNA is present in modern populations like Australians and Melanesians, despite geographic distances.

Genetic Ancestry

Genetic ancestry involves tracing the lineage and genetic contributions of different populations over time. The presence of Denisovan DNA in Australians and Melanesians suggests interbreeding events that occurred during migrations, highlighting the complex relationships between ancient human species and modern populations.

Population Genetics

Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within populations and how it changes over time due to factors like natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. This field helps explain how Denisovan genetic material has persisted in certain populations, despite geographic separation, through historical interbreeding and migration patterns.