Oldest Human DNA Reveals Family Network That Spanned Europe

lost Branch of ‌Humanity: oldest DNA Reveals Early Modern ‍humans ⁣in⁢ Europe

Thousands of years ‍ago, a small group of modern humans ventured into Europe, leaving behind ‌traces of their existence in the ​form of bones ‍and DNA.Now, thanks ​to cutting-edge analysis of these ancient remains, we’re ‌gaining ⁣a ⁣captivating glimpse into a long-lost branch of‌ the human family tree. These early Europeans arrived over 45,000 years ago,a time when vast ice sheets covered⁤ much ‌of the⁣ continent. They were a pioneering ⁢population, numbering just in the hundreds, with dark skin, hair, and eyes, reflecting their⁤ African origins. Excavations ‍at Ranis, Germany, and Zlatý kůň, czechia, have yielded a ⁤treasure trove of bone fragments, some belonging to close relatives, even a mother and daughter.Remarkably, DNA analysis revealed these individuals were part of an extended family group that interbred with Neanderthals between ⁤45,000 and 49,000 years ⁢ago. “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.





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