For decades, scientists believed modern humans descended from a single ancestral lineage. However, new research has not only challenged this view, it has simultaneously spawned a new mystery surrounding human evolution.

Using full genome sequencing, researchers discovered that modern humans originated from two distinct populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago and later merged.

This genetic reunion, occurring roughly 300,000 years ago, resulted in one group contributing 80% of modern human DNA, while the other provided the remaining 20%.

These findings suggest human evolution was far more intricate than previously assumed.