Researchers have identified a previously unknown yak species from DNA extracted from hundreds of tiny bone fragments found in Denisova cave. The cave is already well known for producing the first fossil remains of the Denisovans, a group of archaic humans.
The genetic analysis revealed that the region was once home to this extinct yak relative, adding a new piece to the picture of the ecosystem that existed while Denisovans occupied the cave. The find shows how ancient DNA from small, unidentifiable bone fragments can bring to light species that might otherwise remain hidden.