Related Journals

Reich et al. (2010) Genetic history of an archaic hominin group from Denisova Cave in Siberia Journal = Nature 468: 1053-1060 or Click here.

Denisovan tooth discovered in cave

DNA extracted from a finger bone found in a cave in Denisova revealed a genome that belonged to a previously unknown type of human that shares a common ancestor with the Neanderthal. This new type of human has been found to contribute up to 5% of its genome to modern Melanesians. 

Krings et al. (1997) Neanderthal DNA Sequences and the Origin of Modern Humans

Journal = Cell 90:19-30 or Click Here.

DNA extracted from Neanderthal Humerus 

DNA was extracted from a Neanderthal fossil discovered in 1856 Germany, an unknown mitochondrial DNA sequence which was endogenous to the fossil was discovered. The DNA of the Neanderthal was sequenced and compared to the modern human DNA sequence. It was found that the Neanderthal sequence ranged outside the variation of modern humans. The paper concluded that the Neanderthal became extinct without contributing any of its DNA to the modern human genome.


Skoglund and Jakobsson. (2011) Archaich human ancestry in East Asia
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Artist model of a Denisovan

Gene flow from archaic humans to modern humans occurred during modern human expansion out of Africa. Decreasing levels of human genetic diversity are found with decreasing distance from Africa as a consequence of the expansion. This paper expressed a significant affinity between the modern Asian genome and the archaic Denisovan. 




Hofreiter et al ( 2001) Ancient DNA 

Basic DNA strand

Journal = Nature reviews Click Here For Journal.

This paper critically assesses how trustworthy DNA analysis is as a method of investigating ancient DNA. It questions if ancient DNA can be preserved and retrieved at all and also the possibilities of ancient DNA being contaminated with modern DNA leading to false results. The paper also explores ways to prevent contamination and other alternative ways to analyse ancient DNA. 

Cann et al (1987) Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution 

Journal = Nature Click Here For Journal

Human mtDNA

Mitochondrial DNA was taken from 147 individuals from all over the world and analysed using restriction mapping. The work of Cann et al showed that the highest level of genetic variation in mtDNA occurs within African populations. This implies that modern humans first emerged from Africa, therefore Africans have been in existence longer and have had more time to accumulate genetic mutations within their genome, causing wider genetic diversity. They also identified and estimated the time of existence of the human mitochondrial Eve.