Old Teeth in China Show How Early Humans Lived

Introduction

Scientists studied six old teeth from early humans in China. These teeth are 400,000 years old. The scientists wanted to see how these humans are related to other old groups.

Main Body

The scientists looked at proteins in the teeth. They did this because the DNA was too old and gone. They found proteins from five men and one woman. They found one special protein. Only these early humans had it. Modern humans and Neanderthals do not have this protein. They also found another protein. This protein is the same in these humans and a group called Denisovans. This means the two groups were likely related.

Conclusion

The study shows that early humans and Denisovans lived together and had children together in Asia.

Learning

The Power of "Too"

In the text, we see: "the DNA was too old and gone."

When we use too + adjective, it means something is 'more than we want' or 'more than is possible'. It usually creates a problem.

Simple Examples:

  • The coffee is \rightarrow too hot (I cannot drink it).
  • The shoes are \rightarrow too big (They fall off my feet).
  • The book is \rightarrow too difficult (I cannot read it).

Word Swap: Modern vs. Old

Notice how the author compares two different times:

  • Modern humans \rightarrow People living today.
  • Early humans \rightarrow People from a long time ago.

If you want to describe something from the past, use Early or Old. If you want to describe something now, use Modern.

Vocabulary Learning

scientists
people who study science
Example:Scientists used a microscope to look at the tiny cells.
studied
looked at carefully to learn
Example:She studied the map before the trip.
old
having lived many years
Example:He has an old book from 1920.
teeth
hard parts in the mouth that bite
Example:She brushed her teeth every morning.
early
before the usual time
Example:They left early to avoid traffic.
humans
people
Example:Humans need food and water.
China
a country in Asia
Example:I visited China last summer.
years
units of time, 365 days
Example:He has lived here for five years.
related
connected or linked
Example:The two stories are related.
proteins
substances that build body parts
Example:Proteins help muscles grow.
DNA
genetic material that gives traits
Example:Scientists study DNA to learn about ancestry.
found
discovered something
Example:They found a hidden treasure.