Over time many ancient adaptations have been lost or masked by the genetic evolution caused by the environments of early humans. Researchers from University of Texas at Austin and the University of California have just revealed their work of trying to understand the ancient genomes of early humans and pick out adaptions that were previously lost to natural selection. They have currently stated to have "revealed genetic signatures that have been previously erased or masked by present day genomes. By studying more than 700 samples taken from archaeological sites across Europe the researchers were able to uncover traces of natural selection from within the genomes. The samples date all the way back to 8500 around the Neolithic period.
The research helps provide accurate information into the lives of early humans and their adaptions that underwent massive changes from genetic drift and natural selection. One example they used was that of genes with traits that allowed early Europeans to produce vitamin D and digest milk into adulthood showed strong signs of selection. The white pigmentation allowed for farmers in less sunny climate to produce vitamin D and the ability to digest milk had become a big trait after the dairy began to become a produce for farmers. Also they found signs of adaptations to new diseases that were spread due to agriculture and migrations throughout time. The research has opened many paths into the next steps of understanding human evolution and how we got to where we are today.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119181845.htm
https://cns.utexas.edu/news/research/scientists-use-ancient-dna-shed-light-adaptation-early-europeans#:~:text=Leveraging%20a%20unique%20statistical%20analysis%20and%20applying
%20it,their%20environments%20over%207%2C000%20years%20of%20European%20history.
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