Tibetan altitude gene inherited 'from extinct species'

A gene that allows present-day people to cope with life at high altitude was inherited from an extinct species of human, Nature journal has reported.

The variant of the EPAS-1 gene, which affects blood oxygen, is common in Tibetans - many of whom live at altitudes of 4,000m all year round.

The DNA sequence matches one found in an extinct group called the Denisovans.

Many of us carry DNA from extinct humans who interbred with our ancestors as the latter expanded out of Africa.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-28127785