Extinct yak relative discovered from DNA in Denisova cave
Genetic analysis of hundreds of tiny bone fragments found in the same cave that yielded the first fossil remains of the Denisovans has revealed that the region was once also home to a previously unknown species of yak
In the remote Siberian region of Denisova cave, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of an extinct bovine species, dubbed "yak X." According to researchers from Stockholm University, this species was likely hunted by ancient humans, including Neanderthals, Denisovans, and our own species. The scientists discovered the new species after examining bone fragments from the cave, which contained DNA that did not match any current or extinct bovine species.
Yak X is believed to have diverged from its wild yak relative around 400,000 years ago and went extinct about 30,000 years ago. The species' divergence time is comparable to that between polar bears and brown bears, indicating that it was a distinct animal. However, due to the limited remains found so far, researchers are uncertain about the unique traits of this ancient mammal.
They suspect that yak X may have been a subspecies of the Himalayan yak, which is native to lower elevations than the cave site. While there is no direct evidence of yak X being hunted by different human species, it is likely that it was preyed upon by Denisovans, Neanderthals, modern humans, and large carnivores such as hyenas and lions.
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