Part 10/15:
- The Role of Genetics and DNA: Advances in ancient DNA analysis (from Neanderthals, Denisovans, and others) complement fossil evidence, revealing interbreeding, migrations, and complex relationships. For example, genetic studies have shown that modern non-African humans possess Neanderthal DNA, complicating the simplistic “out-of-Africa” narrative.
The Technical Marvels: Dating and Reconstructing the Skeleton
Deciphering Ardipithecus involved cutting-edge scientific techniques:
- Geological Dating: Volcanic ash layers above and below the skeleton were radiometrically dated using isotopic methods, pinpointing its age at around 4.4 million years.