南部非洲智人曾半隔离生活数十万年

Core Insights - A recent study published in Nature confirms that a group of Homo sapiens lived in a semi-isolated state in Southern Africa for hundreds of thousands of years, based on genomic analysis of individuals from 10,200 years to 150 years ago [1] - This research, conducted by Uppsala University and the University of Johannesburg, is the largest study of ancient African DNA to date, revealing genetic adaptive changes that shaped the human species [1] Group 1 - The study analyzed the genomes of 28 individuals from Southern Africa, finding that the Stone Age population had been genetically isolated for at least 200,000 years [1] - Genetic flow from East and West Africa into this population began only around 1,400 years ago [1] - Most analyzed human remains were discovered at the Matjes River rock shelter on the Southern African coast [1] Group 2 - The research identified 79 DNA variants that alter gene function, unique to Homo sapiens, differing from variants found in Neanderthals, Denisovans, chimpanzees, and gorillas [1] - Among these, 7 variants related to kidney function were noted, potentially linked to humans' unique ability to cool through sweating, which requires effective fluid balance control [2] - These genetic changes enhance humans' cooling and endurance capabilities, traits that Neanderthals and Denisovans lack [2]