Million-Year-Old Mystery: Isolated Human Population Found in West Africa

West African Genetic Mystery: Isolated Human Population Discovered A recent scientific preprint has revealed evidence of a previously unknown human population in West Africa, specifically near Senegal or the Gulf of Guinea. This isolated group, which remained genetically distinct for over a million years, contributed approximately 20% to the genetic makeup of modern humans. The study, which is yet to undergo peer review, suggests a complex and previously underappreciated history of human migration and genetic exchange. The preprint utilizes coalescence-based Markov models to analyze genetic data from present-day humans, finding strong evidence for this long-isolated population. 'Using its application on simulated and real data across multiple species, the study demonstrates its ability to represent an ancestral population split and rejoining, and admixture event,' explains Zeke Darwin, a science educator who discussed the research on TikTok. The discovery challenges existing models of human evolution. Darwin highlights the need for further genetic research to verify the findings and fully understand the implications for our understanding of human origins. The preprint also details the archaeological evidence, including the discovery of a skull dating back over 10,000 years with archaic features. This discovery, coupled with the genetic evidence, provides a compelling case for a more nuanced and complex understanding of human history. The research underscores the importance of continued investigation into the genetic diversity of human populations, particularly in understudied regions of the world. Further research promises to shed more light on this fascinating discovery and rewrite parts of our understanding of the human family tree.