Scientists say face mites evolved alongside humans since the dawn of human origins
Tuesday, December 15, 2015 - 15:16
in Paleontology & Archaeology
A landmark new study explores the fascinating, little-known natural history of the face mite species Demodex folliculorum, using genetic testing to link the microscopic animal's evolution to our own ever-evolving human story. By zooming in on mite mitochondrial DNA from around the world, scientists discovered that different human populations have different mites, that those mites follow families through generations, and that they are not casually transferred between humans.