ghost lineage

Scientists have identified evidence of a third ancient lineage, referred to as a 'ghost lineage,' that interbred with modern humans in Africa before they migrated out of the continent. This lineage, distinct from Neanderthals and Denisovans, left traces in human DNA detected through advanced analytical techniques, though no physical remains of this group have been discovered yet.

Scientists analyzing modern genomes may have discovered a long-lost branch of the human family tree, suggesting that everyone alive might carry DNA from a 'ghost lineage' of human ancestors.