Nature Paleogenomics reports the discovery of a previously unknown human lineage in the Ennedi Plateau of Chad. DNA extracted from 16,000-year-old remains reveals a distinct genetic group that thrived during the Late Pleistocene, characterized by specialized adaptations to the extreme diurnal temperature fluctuations of the ancient Saharan environment before the onset of the Holocene.
This study suggests that this 'ghost lineage' contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of modern Sahelian populations. The findings provide critical insights into the complex migratory pulses that occurred across North Africa, fundamentally altering our understanding of early human dispersal and survival strategies in arid climates.