Analysis of ancient human remains from the once-lush Sahara Desert reveals a genetically distinct group of people who thrived there during the African Humid Period. These "Green Sahara" inhabitants, dating back 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, possessed unique genetic markers unlike any present-day populations in North or Sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting a long period of isolation and independent evolution within this region before its desertification. This discovery challenges existing narratives of early human migration and settlement across Africa, highlighting a previously unknown branch of human ancestry that emerged and disappeared with the changing Saharan climate.
After an absence of roughly 5,000 years, a spotted hyena has been confirmed in Egypt. Researchers identified the animal through camera trap footage captured in Wadi El Gemal National Park, a protected area in the country's Eastern Desert. This rediscovery is significant, as it marks the return of a large carnivore that was once part of Egypt's ancient fauna and suggests potential range expansion for the species. While the hyena's origin—whether it migrated naturally or was accidentally introduced—remains unclear, its presence has sparked both excitement and concern among researchers who are now working to understand the implications for the local ecosystem.
HN commenters discuss the implications of a spotted hyena being found in Egypt after a 5,000-year absence. Some express skepticism about the claim, pointing to historical accounts and anecdotal evidence suggesting hyenas may have been present more recently, albeit rarely. Others highlight the challenges of definitively proving local extinction and subsequent re-emergence versus continuous, low-density presence. The difficulty of species identification from skeletal remains, especially differentiating striped and spotted hyenas, is also raised. Finally, commenters discuss potential reasons for the hyena's scarcity, including habitat loss and human persecution.
Summary of Comments ( 29 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43643467
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the article's findings, expressing skepticism about the claim of a "unique" human group. Some commenters highlighted the fluidity of human movement and intermingling, especially in pre-historic times, making definitive claims of uniqueness difficult. Others pointed out the challenges in drawing conclusions based on limited skeletal remains and the potential for misinterpretations. The discussion also touched on the Sahara's history of cyclical climate changes and the impact on human populations, with some emphasizing that the region has seen numerous migrations and cultural exchanges over millennia. A few commenters criticized Science Alert's sensationalized reporting style. Overall, the consensus seemed to be that while the findings are interesting, the framing of a "unique" group is potentially misleading and warrants further investigation.
The Hacker News post titled "Once lush Sahara was home to a surprisingly unique group of humans" has generated several comments discussing various aspects related to the topic.
Some users express skepticism about the novelty of the findings, pointing out that the Sahara's past as a fertile region is already well-established knowledge. One commenter highlights the cyclical nature of the Sahara's climate, shifting between wet and dry periods over millennia due to Earth's orbital precession. This commenter also mentions the implications of these climate shifts for human migration and the development of agriculture in the Nile Valley.
Other comments delve into the genetic information presented in the linked article, questioning the interpretation of "unique" human groups. One user emphasizes the interconnectedness of human populations and the constant gene flow between them, making the concept of isolated, unique groups less clear-cut. This commenter also highlights the complexities of analyzing ancient DNA and drawing definitive conclusions about population distinctions.
A few comments focus on the methodology of the research, expressing concerns about the limited sample size and the potential for biased interpretations. One user questions the reliability of extrapolating broader conclusions about entire populations based on a relatively small number of individuals.
Several commenters engage in a discussion about the terminology used in the article, particularly the terms "unique" and "species." They debate the appropriateness of these terms in the context of human populations and the nuances of genetic variation within our species.
Finally, some comments offer further resources and information related to the topic, such as links to other articles and studies about the Sahara's history and human migrations. One commenter mentions the potential of archeological findings to provide a more complete understanding of the past, complementing the genetic data presented in the article.