Ancient Siberia was home to previously unknown humans, say scientists
DNA analysis reveals hardy group genetically distinct from Eurasians and East Asians
It was cold, remote and involved picking fights with woolly mammoths – but it seems ancient Siberia 30,000 years ago was home to a hardy and previously unknown group of humans. Scientists say the discovery could help solve longstanding mysteries about the ancestors of native North Americans.
While it is commonly believed the ancestors of native North Americans arrived from Eurasia via a now submerged land bridge called Beringia, exactly which groups crossed and gave rise to native North American populations has been difficult to unpick.
Related: Siberian Arctic colonised 30,000 years ago
Related: What the ancient DNA discovery tells us about Native American ancestry
