© Photo: Andrea Casas-Vargas | Andrea Casas with a team of scientists
Scientists working in Colombia have announced a remarkable discovery: a previously unknown branch of the human family tree. This significant finding emerged from extensive research conducted by experts in the region.
The breakthrough was made possible through the comprehensive DNA sequencing of ancient human remains, which were uncovered at an archaeological site situated not far from Bogotá, Colombia`s bustling capital.
The newly identified group of ancient people has been named Checua, a designation derived from the locality where their remains were initially excavated in 1992.
Andrea Casas, a lead researcher from the Institute of Genetics at the National University of Colombia, elaborated on the findings. She explained that a meticulous comparative analysis of their genetic data with other archaeological discoveries across the American continent conclusively established that the Checua people possess a distinct lineage, one that was entirely unknown to science until now. This revelation promises to significantly enhance our understanding of human migration and settlement patterns in the Americas.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth