lost Branch of Humanity: oldest DNA Reveals Early Modern humans in Europe
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“It is astounding how these small bone fragments provide such a wealth of data. Ranis turned out to be a real treasure trove. Extraordinary DNA preservation gave a unique glimpse into past family groups and their wider connections across Ice Age Europe. It shows an ebb and flow of small human groups during a crucial period of coexistence between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals,” says Dr. Karen Ruebens,a zooarchaeologist who contributed to the study.
Despite adapting to the harsh, cold climate, this early European population ultimately vanished without leaving descendants. “these DNA results are exciting because they show differences in how frequently various groups of early modern humans met with Neanderthals. It is fascinating how these early modern humans were able to adapt to extreme cold conditions but were ultimately unsuccessful and died out,” notes Dr. Geoff Smith, another key researcher involved in the project.
This groundbreaking research published in *Nature* sheds light on a pivotal chapter in human history. It tells the story of a courageous but ultimately lost branch of our family tree, reminding us of the complex and fascinating journey of our species across the globe.
Earliest Modern Humans Discovered in Europe Shed Light on Ancient Migration Patterns
A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled the remains of the earliest known modern humans in europe, dating back approximately 45,000 years. This important find, involving multiple individuals from a single group found at sites in germany and the Czech Republic, provides invaluable insights into the movements and intermingling of early human populations. “These remains offer us a wealth of facts about these ancient people,” said a lead researcher. “Finding these directly dated remains,the earliest of our species in europe,is incredibly exciting. Discovering multiple individuals from a single group allows us to delve deeper into their lives and relationships.” The DNA analysis of these remains has revolutionized our understanding of the timing of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals. ”The new DNA results give us amazing insights into the lives of this pioneering group,” the researcher added.A Journey Across Europe’s Steppes
An illustration by Tom Björklund vividly depicts these early modern humans traversing the vast, open steppe landscapes of Europe.The image portrays individuals from both the Ranis site in Germany and the Zlatý kůň site in the Czech Republic, suggesting their interconnectedness and likely joint migration.
Further cementing this connection, Zlatý kůň, an individual from the same Czech site, has been identified through DNA analysis as belonging to the same population as the Ranis individuals. He was also closely related to two individuals from the Ranis group.
These remarkable discoveries shed light on the early movements of modern humans across Europe and highlight the complex interplay between different hominin populations during this pivotal period in prehistory.
## Q&A: Journey into Europe’s Past
**Q: Who were some of the key individuals discussed in this article regarding early Europeans?**
**A:** The article mentions “**Zlatý kůň**,” an individual found at the Zlatý kůň site in czechia, who was closely related too individuals from the Ranis site in Germany.
A mother and daughter were also found at the Ranis site, demonstrating the existence of a sophisticated social structure.
**Q: Where were these early Europeans discovered, and approximately when?**
**A:** Their remains were discovered at two locations: Ranis in Germany and Zlatý kůň in Czechia. These individuals are estimated to have lived about 45,000 years ago.
## Q&A: Journey into Europe’s Past
**Q: Who were some individuals discussed in relation to these early Europeans?**
**A:** The article mentions **Zlatý kůň** and individuals from the **Ranis** group.
Specifically, it highlights a mother and daughter found at the Ranis site.
**Q: Where were these early Europeans located, and when did they live?**
**A:** Remains were found at ranis in Germany and Zlatý kůň in Czechia. These individuals are estimated to have lived around 45,000 years ago.
Let me know if you’d like to explore more about these fascinating discoveries!
