Scientists have recovered the oldest Homo sapiens DNA from remains in a cave beneath a castle in Ranis, Germany. The DNA, dated to about 45,000 years ago, belonged to six individuals, including a mother and daughter. These ancient genomes carried traces of Neanderthal ancestry, revealing interbreeding about 1,500 years earlier. This discovery aligns with broader research, suggesting a significant period of gene exchange between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals occurred between 50,500 and 43,500 years ago.
The study highlights how genetic inheritance from Neanderthals, especially traits related to immune function, metabolism, and skin pigmentation, helped humans adapt to harsh Ice Age environments. Despite their ancient presence in Europe, the Ranis population eventually went extinct, leaving no trace in modern human ancestry. Their physical traits, including dark skin and eyes, reflected their recent African origins.
The research also examined "archaic deserts," regions of the human genome devoid of Neanderthal DNA, likely due to infertility or diseases in hybrid offspring. Neanderthal gene contributions, however, remain crucial to understanding human evolution, particularly as modern humans migrated and adapted outside Africa.
The cave where the ancient human remains were found is located beneath a castle in Ranis, Germany. Martin Schutt/picture alliance/Getty Images
These findings refine the timeline of Homo sapiens' migration and interbreeding, suggesting that the major wave of human migration out of Africa had concluded by 43,500 years ago. The study underscores the complex story of human evolution, where survival was not guaranteed, and some populations, like Neanderthals and the Ranis group, disappeared. This groundbreaking work offers new insights into our shared history with Neanderthals and the adaptive power of ancient gene exchanges.
