Tibetan’s DNA is not entirely Homo Sapiens

What separates Tibetans from other people around the world is that they have the ability to live comfortably at very high altitudes.

The Tibetan plateau, for example, stands an average of 4,500 meters above sea level. Its high altitude earned it the title of highest plateau on Earth. The air up there contains as much as 40% less oxygen.

What makes Tibetans so special is a gene called EPAS1, which allows scarce oxygen to be absorbed without creating extra red blood cells.

Those of us who do not carry the gene must face with high-altitude medical issues such as high blood pressure, cardiac arrest and low weight for newborn babies.

Why we don’t have access to the EPAS1 gene is because most Europeans and Asians are 1% to 3% Neanderthal and other distinct but related species with which out ancestors intermingled with.

Tibetans inherited their ESPAS1 gene from the Denisovans, an ancient humanoid species which scientists discovered only in 2010. Their DNA was sequenced from two teeth and one pinkie found in a Siberian cave.