Analysis of ancient DNA from 7,000-year-old skeletons discovered in the once-lush Green Sahara reveals a previously unknown human lineage. These individuals, found at the Gobero archaeological site in Niger, possessed distinct genetic ancestry unlike any present-day African populations or other ancient groups analyzed so far. This suggests a complex and diverse human history in the region during the Holocene's wetter period, with this unique lineage thriving before the Sahara became a desert. The research highlights a "missing piece" in our understanding of African population history and prehistoric migrations.
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.
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.
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 ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43663713
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the discovered lineage and the methodology used in the study. Some debated the meaning of "distinct lineage," questioning if the findings represent a truly separate group or simply variation within a known population. Several commenters highlighted the fascinating history of the Green Sahara period and its impact on human migration and development. Others expressed interest in the DNA analysis techniques, including the challenges of working with ancient DNA and the potential for future research to further illuminate this population's history. A few also touched upon the ethical considerations of studying ancient remains.
The Hacker News post titled "7k-Year-Old Skeletons from the Green Sahara Reveal a Mysterious Human Lineage" has generated several comments discussing the findings and their implications.
Several commenters focused on the surprising genetic diversity revealed by the study. One commenter pointed out the unexpected discovery of a distinct human lineage in the Green Sahara, highlighting the complex history of human migration and evolution in Africa. This commenter also expressed excitement about the potential for future research to further illuminate this lineage and its relationship to other ancient populations. Another emphasized how little we truly understand about early human populations and migrations, particularly within Africa. They saw this discovery as a significant piece of the puzzle, demonstrating that there were likely many more distinct groups than previously recognized.
Another thread of discussion centered around the concept of the "Green Sahara" itself. Some commenters shared additional information about this period, describing the Sahara as a lush and vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, a stark contrast to the arid desert we know today. They highlighted the dramatic climate shifts that have shaped the region and the impact these shifts have had on human populations. This led to a related discussion about the implications of climate change for modern societies, with some commenters drawing parallels between the past transformations of the Sahara and the potential future impacts of global warming.
A few commenters also questioned the use of the word "mysterious" in the title, arguing that while the findings are certainly significant, they don't necessarily point to anything inherently mysterious. They suggested that "previously unknown" or "distinct" would be more accurate descriptors. This spurred a brief discussion about the language used in science journalism and the potential for sensationalizing scientific discoveries.
Finally, several commenters expressed general enthusiasm for the research and appreciation for the opportunity to learn about ancient history and human origins. They praised the researchers for their work and expressed hope for further discoveries in the future. Some also shared links to related resources, allowing readers to delve deeper into the topic.