Ancient cave sediments can reveal the presence of extinct hominins without fossils
In short: Researchers using targeted enrichment of mitochondrial DNA found that cave sediments act as a reservoir for ancient DNA. By screening numerous sediment samples, the team detected Neandertal DNA in eight archaeological layers across four Eurasian caves, and even identified Denisovan DNA in a deep layer of Denisova Cave.
This method is significant because it allows scientists to identify which hominin groups occupied a site even when no skeletal remains are present. The study used automation-assisted screening of various sediment samples, though the findings are limited to the specific layers and caves where DNA was successfully retrieved.
Why it matters: We can now identify extinct human relatives in ancient sites even when no bones are found.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Slon et al. (2017). Neandertal and Denisovan DNA from Pleistocene sediments. Science.
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