Around 45,000 years ago, something intriguing happened on the human family tree. A group of modern humans, known as the LRJ Group, migrated from Africa to Europe, where they encountered the Neanderthals, a different species that already called the continent home.
These modern humans shared the land with Neanderthals for about 5,000 years and even mixed their genes. Today, about 2-3% of the DNA of people outside Africa carries traces of Neanderthal ancestry. This ancient connection still exists in many of us.
Recent research has provided new insights into the lives of these early humans. A significant discovery occurred in a German cave, Ranis, where tiny, fragile bones from at least six individuals were found. These bones date back 42,000 to 49,000 years and include a mother and her daughter. In the Czech Republic, the skull of a woman from around the same period was also uncovered. Surprisingly, DNA analysis revealed that she was distantly related to some individuals found at Ranis, suggesting that these early humans were part of a wider community rather than isolated wanderers.
The Ranis cave is notable for specific stone tools called LRJ tools. For years, there was debate over whether Neanderthals or modern humans created them. Now, with the confirmation that the tools and bones originated from modern humans, it’s evident that these early humans were skilled toolmakers. This also links the Czech woman to the same culture, hinting she used similar tools even though none were found at her site.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology managed to sequence the oldest high-quality genomes from these early Europeans. One specimen, nicknamed Ranis13, had exceptionally preserved DNA, revealing something unexpected: this group does not seem to have any living descendants today. Their lineage vanished, but remnants of their DNA show that they encountered Neanderthals long before migrating fully into Europe.
Interestingly, other ancient humans later found in Europe display more recent Neanderthal ancestry, suggesting that the LRJ Group might have followed a different migration route or had little contact with Neanderthals.
Scientists estimate that the entire LRJ population comprised only a few hundred individuals. This small number implies a fragile existence in an icy, competitive environment. Genetic studies indicate they likely had dark skin, hair, and eyes, which aligns with their African roots.
These pioneering humans may not have survived in the long term, but their story enriches our understanding of human history, highlighting migration, connection, and the uncertainties of survival. They didn’t become our ancestors, but they were undeniably part of our story.
This research was covered in detail in the journal Nature. For more information, check out the study here.
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