Based on the analysis of genetic information, scientists stated that traces of three interspecific crosses were found in the genome of human ancestors: with Neanderthals, Denisovans, as well as another species still unknown to science.
According to Reuters, the conclusions were made on the basis of genetic analysis of 1.5 thousand people. Three crosses occurred with Neanderthals, Denisovans and a mysterious extinct man. Signs of the genetic pedigree of Denisovans - from 2 to 4% - were found among the inhabitants of the equatorial islands of Melanesia. Also, traces of Neanderthal genes were found in Melanesians - about 2%.
For other people, not originally from Africa, the "inheritance" of Neanderthals was 1.5-4%. As for the Africans, they did not show signs of Denisovan and Neanderthal genes, since these two species have never been on the African continent. According to the only available data, Siberia is the homeland of Denisovites. Since their genetic trace was discovered far enough - up to Melanesia - scientists suggest that Denisovans could inhabit almost the entire Asian territory.
Also, according to molecular anthropologist from Binghamton University Andrew Maryweather, signs of crossing with another species were found in the human genome, which scientists still find it difficult to determine. Thus, according to the scientist, there were at least four species of the hominid family.
Alexander Kornev
