3 New Facts About Denisovans

The video discusses the Denisovans, an extinct group of hominins discovered in Siberia. Their genome was sequenced, revealing unique genetic traits and connections to Neanderthals. Denisovan DNA is prevalent in Southeast Asian and Oceanian populations, particularly in Papua New Guinea. The Denisovans had limited genetic diversity, possibly due to a small population size. The study also highlights evolutionary changes in humans, especially in brain development and language skills, since diverging from Denisovan ancestors.

What distinguishes Denisovans from modern humans and Neanderthals based on their DNA?

• Their nuclear DNA

• Their ribosomal RNA

• Their mitochondrial DNA

• Their Y-chromosome

Where is Denisovan DNA predominantly found in modern populations?

• Africa

• Southeast Asia and Oceania

• Europe

• South America

What does the presence of Neanderthal DNA in Denisovans suggest about their interactions?

• Denisovans and Neanderthals never interacted

• Denisovans had no genetic diversity

• Gene flow occurred from Neanderthals to Denisovans

• Denisovans evolved independently

What genetic traits were found in the Denisovan remains studied?

• Albino features

• Dark skin, brown hair, brown eyes

• Light skin, blonde hair, blue eyes

• Red hair, green eyes, freckles

What significant evolutionary changes have occurred in humans since diverging from Denisovans?

• Changes in limb length

• Changes in skin pigmentation

• Changes in dietary habits

• Changes in brain development and language skills