Modern Europeans have a smaller proportion of Neanderthal genes in their genomes than East Asians do. New research suggests the reason lies at the feet of migrating early farmers.

Y chromosomes of 40% Chinese descend from three Neolithic super-grandfathers

More research is examining how we carry the ‘genetic legacy’ of extinct human species

These ancient human cousins, and others called Denisovans, once lived alongside our early Homo sapiens ancestors. They mingled and had children. So some of who they were never went away — it’s in our genes. And science is starting to reveal just how much that shapes us.

Using the new and rapidly improving ability to piece together fragments of ancient DNA, scientists are finding that traits inherited from our ancient cousins are still with us now, affecting our fertility, our immune systems, even how our bodies handled the COVID-19 virus.

The combined landscape of Denisovan and Neanderthal ancestry in present-day humans

How China Is Rewriting the Book on Human Origins

Fossil finds in China are challenging ideas about the evolution of modern humans and our closest relatives

So, who were the other super-fertile fathers? One genetic sequence is attributed to Giocangga, the grandfather of the founder of the Qing dynasty. His Y chromosome was linked in a 2005 study to 1.5 million men in modern northern China. This large number likely resulted from his descendants taking many wives and concubines.

Ancient DNA reveals genetic connections between early Di-Qiang and Han Chinese