20% of human DNA is inherited from a mysterious, superarchaic species.Recent genetic analysis suggests that we are significantly less human than previously believed.While Neanderthal DNA accounts for only about 2 percent of our genetic makeup, a staggering 20 percent of our genome is inherited from an unknown superarchaic hominin.This lineage diverged from the human line over a million years ago, eventually merging with our ancestors in Africa long before the migration to other continents. Professor Alan Rogers describes this discovery as a merger of two populations rather than a simple exchange of genes, fundamentally shifting how we view the evolutionary path of Homo sapiens.The study further clarifies that two distinct superarchaic populations were involved in these prehistoric encounters. While one group likely interbred with the ancestors of Neanderthals and Denisovans in Eurasia—potentially descendants of Homo erectus—the identity of the African population that contributed so heavily to our own DNA remains a mystery. With no current suspects for this ancient donor, researchers are left with a provocative new map of human history that defines our species as a complex blend of multiple ancient lineages rather than a single, isolated branch. IFLScience.
I am not sure if this is new news but it is intriguing. No clear suspects but Homo erectus is possible.