Stone Age DNA Reveals How Hunter-Gatherer Families Organized 5,500 Years Ago

DNA analysis of 5,500-year-old graves on the Swedish island of Gotland has revealed surprising details about how Stone Age hunter-gatherers organized their families. Researchers found a woman buried with two children who were not her own, and two non-sibling children placed together — suggesting these ancient people carefully tracked family lineages and valued extended family bonds beyond the immediate household.