2 ms·
> We have evidence that 2-4% of the entire modern genome of non-Africans came in from Neanderthals The actual evidence is pretty weak (Pattersons D-statistic i
by 08-15 7y ago
> We have evidence that 2-4% of the entire modern genome of non-Africans came in from Neanderthals
The actual evidence is pretty weak (Pattersons D-statistic is a rather crude method), and crucially doesn't infer a direction. It's equally possible that 2-4% of the Neanderthals' genomes come from humans, and I think it's more believable that a few percent of the Denisovan's (there is only one!) genome come from (relatives of the ancestors of present day) Melanesians.
- mkl 7y agoI'm not sure I understand. In your last scenario, where would the Melanesians have gotten significant differences from most other humans, to then pass on to Denisovans?
- 08-15 7y agoThe Melanesians didn't pass anything on, that's chronologically impossible. They are the descendants of a migration wave out of Africa, through Asia, to Australia. If some interbreeding with the Denisovan (there is only one!) happened, the Melanesians are the closest extant relatives of whoever did the interbreeding. Outside Melanesia, that branch of humanity was later replaced by the expansion of another migration wave, and the again by the Han expansion.
- mkl 7y agoYes, their ancestors is what I meant. I get it now, thanks.