The ancient Chinese population was not entirely descended from Denisovans, but Denisovans did contribute to the genetic makeup of some ancient populations in East Asia and surrounding regions. Here’s how Denisovans relate to ancient Chinese populations and modern East Asians:
1. Denisovan Genetic Legacy in East Asia
• Genetic studies reveal that Denisovans interbred with Homo sapiens after modern humans migrated into Asia, contributing small percentages of their DNA to modern populations.
• Denisovan DNA is most prominent in:
• Southeast Asian populations, especially Melanesians, Aboriginal Australians, and Papuans, where Denisovan ancestry accounts for 4–6% of their genome.
• East Asian populations, including ancient Chinese, though at much lower levels (0.2–0.5%).
2. Evidence of Denisovan DNA in Ancient Chinese Populations
• Genetic research shows Denisovan admixture in the ancestors of East Asians and Tibetans:
• The EPAS1 gene, which aids adaptation to high altitudes, is derived from Denisovans and is prevalent in modern Tibetans and Sherpas.
• Ancient DNA evidence, such as a Denisovan jawbone discovered on the Tibetan Plateau, suggests Denisovans lived in regions close to what is now China.
3. Relationship Between Denisovans and Ancient Chinese
• Denisovans contributed indirectly to the genetic diversity of populations in East Asia, including ancient Chinese, but these populations were primarily descended from modern Homo sapiens who migrated into the region.
• The majority of ancient Chinese ancestry comes from migrations of early modern humans, who first left Africa around 60,000–70,000 years ago and later populated East Asia.
4. Denisovan Influence on Modern East Asians
• Denisovan DNA in modern East Asians is relatively minor compared to populations in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
• However, some traits in ancient and modern populations may be linked to Denisovan genes, such as:
• Adaptations to cold or high-altitude environments.
• Contributions to immune system diversity.
Conclusion
The ancient Chinese were not “children of the Denisovans” in the sense of being direct descendants, but Denisovans did interbreed with early modern humans in Asia. This genetic exchange contributed a small percentage of Denisovan DNA to some East Asian populations, including those in ancient China. The primary ancestry of ancient Chinese populations, however, comes from modern Homo sapiens who migrated into the region tens of thousands of years ago.
Let me know if you’d like more details on Denisovan genetic contributions or ancient Chinese population history!
