A team of scientists from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, successfully decoded the DNA of thirteen ancient human fossils, with some dating back nearly 10,000 years. This groundbreaking research provides valuable insights into the evolution of the human species and population movements in the region.
Conducting this study in South Africa was crucial, as the country boasts a rich genetic heritage and has yielded numerous human fossils. Despite its potential, Africa has seen relatively few studies of this nature, making this research a significant contribution to understanding human evolution.
The scientists focused on ancient fossils discovered in the Oakhurst Rock Shelter caves in southern South Africa, a site known for its numerous human burials. Utilizing advanced techniques, the team was able to reconstruct the genomes of these ancient individuals, revealing that their genetic makeup has remained remarkably stable over time. These genomes closely resemble those of the San and Khoikhoi populations who currently inhabit the region.
This finding of “genetic stability” contrasts sharply with results from Europe, where more genetic changes have been observed over similar periods.