News Genetics

Ancient kids’ DNA reveals new insights into how Africa was populated

Four youngsters from the west-central region aren’t closely related to modern Bantu speakers

Baka people

Ancient DNA from four African children shows a close genetic connection to present-day hunter-gatherers from Cameroon, such as these Baka people, and a nearby foraging group in the Central African Republic.

Mattias Klum/National Geographic Image Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Four ancient youngsters, one pair from around 8,000 years ago and another from about 3,000 years ago, have opened a window on humankind’s far older, far-flung African origins.