paleogenomics

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July 22, 2026

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Paleogenomics is the study of ancient DNA to understand the evolutionary history of life. It combines paleontology, which studies fossils, with genetics, the study of genes and heredity. This field allows scientists to analyze DNA from ancient organisms, such as hominins found in Denisova Cave, to trace migration patterns and understand genetic relationships between different groups. For example, by studying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosomes, researchers can track maternal and paternal lineages back thousands of years. This has revealed insights into the migration of early humans out of Africa and interbreeding between different hominin groups like Denisovans, Neanderthals, and modern humans.123

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Svante Pääbo
…establish the modern discipline of paleogenomics, in which the genomes of living species and the preserved remains of their extinct ancestors are used to reconstruct how species and populations evolve across time.
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…establish the modern discipline of paleogenomics, in which the genomes of living species and the preserved remains of their extinct ancestors are used to reconstruct how species and populations evolve across time.
Read More