Mysterious Genetic Origins of Blue Eyes in Ancient Humans (Video)
The genetic origins of blue eyes in ancient humans reveal a complex history of gene variation and inheritance. Contrary to previous beliefs, Neanderthals possessed genetic diversity related to pigmentation, which has influenced modern human populations. A key gene associated with blue eye color appeared roughly 250,000 years ago, with other pigmentation-related genes emerging around 600,000 to 900,000 years ago in the common ancestors of Neanderthals and early humans.
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Analysis shows that genes responsible for lighter pigmentation were present long before the emergence of Homo sapiens around 300,000 years ago. Some of these genes, including those located on chromosomes 9 and 15, were inherited from archaic hominins such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. This indicates a shared genetic trait among early humans and these extinct relatives.
Modern blue eye color, influenced primarily by genes OCA2 and HERK2, is thought to have originated in the Near East approximately 42,000 years ago before spreading to Europe about 20,000 years ago. Despite this, the genetic foundations for blue eyes have existed for much longer, with evidence suggesting that the traits could have been present in extinct human populations. Blue eyes should not be considered a purely recent trait, as they likely evolved from ancient genetic variations that persisted across different human lineages.
Top image: A blue eye close up. Source: Victoria Key/Adobe Stock
