Question

distant cousins of neandertals, found in siberia cave. Melanesians who populated Papua New Guinea and islands northeast of Australia, have 5% of their DNA.

Answer 1

Modern Melanesians from Papua New Guinea and nearby islands have about 5% Denisovan DNA due to interbreeding between ancient human species such as Neanderthals, Denisovans, and early Homo sapiens. Fossil and genetic evidence point to complex interactions and genetics shared across these groups, including the finding of a Denisovan-Neanderthal hybrid in a Siberia cave.

Step-by-step explanation:

Interbreeding between Ancient Human Species

Research indicates that interbreeding among ancient human species, such as Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo sapiens, has left a genetic footprint in modern populations. Denisova 11, a first-generation hybrid found in a Siberia cave, was shown to have a Denisovan father and a Neanderthal mother, highlighting the interactions between these species. Modern Melanesians, from regions including Papua New Guinea and islands northeast of Australia, have been found to carry Denisovan DNA, comprising approximately 5% of their genome. This genetic legacy is a fascinating aspect of our evolutionary history and provides evidence of widespread mating between different Homo species, as well as suggesting the potential existence of 'ghost populations' from unknown archaic hominins.