ESPE Abstracts

New developments in massive sequencing techniques allow now the generation of an unprecedented amount of genomic data, including the generation of complete ancient genomes. Among those, the Neandertal and Denisovan genomes, dated between 40 000 and 50 000 years ago, are shedding new light on evolutionary processes such as the genetic basis of archaic hominins and modern humans specific adaptations -including morphological, metabolical and behavioural traits- as well as the extent and nature of the admixture events among different hominin lineages. In a more recent time scale, the arrival of farming in Europe beginning around 8500 years ago required adaptation to new environments, pathogens, diets, and likely social organizations. The analysis of prehistoric European genomes provides evidence of ongoing natural selection associated with diet and pigmentation.