MISSION 6 — Inside Out of Africa
Most hominin species, including Homo sapiens, arose in Africa. It is sometimes possible to extract DNA from ancient humans (of our species and closest cousins) for analysis. The oldest hominin DNA ever sequenced came from a 400,000-year-old thighbone. Comparisons among ancient remains and populations of humans around the world have yielded insights into when and how various Homo species migrated out of Africa.
Play "Inside out of Africa" and answer questions 11–13 after you've completed the video.
11-12. Click on the button below to answer questions 11-12. Remember to refer to your completed tree and the species comparison tab if you are not sure of your answers.
13. No fossils of Homo neanderthalensis have been found in Africa, but many African populations have traces of Neanderthal DNA. If Neanderthals were never in Africa (which is a possibility, though fossils may yet be found), how can the presence of Neanderthal DNA be explained?
