Scientists from Fudan University have discovered that a gene inherited from Neanderthals may be responsible for the shape of the noses of modern Indians. The research was published in the journal Communication Biology.
The researchers analyzed the genotyping results of more than 6,000 DNA samples from residents of five Latin American countries. They were of mixed European, Indian and African descent. Scientists focused on finding relationships between people’s facial features and their genes.
A single piece of DNA, called ATF3, has been associated with increased nose height, that is, a greater distance from the top of the nose to the tip. As scientists have found, this gene is common among Native Americans. Presumably, the mark encoded by this gene (high nose) gave carriers of the gene an advantage. It may have contributed to the survival of human ancestors who first moved from Africa to a colder climate.
Earlier, the study’s authors found that the gene that influences the shape of the lips homo sapiensinherited from other ancient people – the Denisovans.