Abstract
Using ancient DNA sequences, we explored the function of olfactory receptor genes in the genus Homo. Humans, Neandertals, and Denisovans independently adapted to a wide range of geographic environments and the odours produced by their food. Variations in their odorant receptor protein sequence and structure resulted in variation in detection and perception. Studying thirty olfactory receptor genes, we found our relatives showed highly conserved receptor structures, but Homo sapiens did not. Variants led to changes in sensitivity to some odors, but no change in specificity, indicating a common olfactory repertoire in our genus. Diversity of geographic adaptations in H. sapiens may have produced greater functional variation in our lineage, increasing our olfactory repertoire and expanding our adaptive capacity.
One-Sentence Summary Using ancient DNA we studied the sense of smell in our extinct ancestors and in our relatives, Denisovans and Neanderthals
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
Footnotes
This version has a revised Fst table and the data that underlie that calculation. There were some minor edits to text following Fst revision and first review process.
