The yak X ancient genomes study adds an unexpected animal to the Ice Age roll call. Researchers analyzed 20 ancient nuclear genomes from Denisova Cave and other Asian sites and concluded that the lineage represents a distinct extinct bovine species. The paper appeared online October 5, with fresh Reuters coverage October 19. The fossil drawer has apparently been withholding a cast member.
The study reports that yak X began diverging from living yaks at least 400,000 years ago. The sampled genomes span more than 200,000 years and reveal a population history that includes decline and changes in genetic diversity. The authors also found little evidence of genetic exchange with other bovines studied, despite overlapping places and periods.
These are genetic findings about ancient remains, not a living animal rediscovered in a remote valley. There is no new photograph of yak X strolling past a trail camera. Our accompanying image shows Denisova Cave, one of the sites supplying evidence. It does not show the particular bones or reconstruct the extinct animal’s appearance.
Our take: this is a satisfying kind of strange news because the surprise comes from better evidence rather than a blurry silhouette. A small fragment can contain information its shape alone does not reveal. Classifying an ancient animal is not always a matter of looking at a horn and announcing, with television confidence, that the case is closed.
The discovery also changes the meaning of what is missing. If a distinct species was not recognized in the first place, its disappearance could be overlooked in accounts of Ice Age extinctions. That does not tell us why yak X vanished. It tells us the inventory of vanished animals may still need revision, and that family trees are working explanations rather than finished wall decorations.
The next questions concern the species’ range, population history and disappearance. Those require more evidence, not an immediate documentary voice declaring a single culprit. For now, ancient DNA has made the past a little more crowded. Humanity has spent centuries arguing over its own ancestors while an entire bovine branch waited patiently for somebody to process the paperwork.
Sources and photograph
Current Biology study abstract and publication record, October 5. Reuters science coverage, October 19.
Archival photograph of Denisova Cave, one source of the analyzed remains; not a photograph of yak X or the studied bone fragments. Photo: Yuriy59 / Wikimapia; CC BY-SA 3.0. Display copy resized. Where applicable, the resized photograph retains the stated ShareAlike license. Original photograph and rights record. Image-use terms.
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