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Cheddar Man Had Dark Skin, Blue Eyes, Lactose Intolerance

6/20/2026

Summary

Cheddar Man Reveals Dark Skin

Researchers determined Cheddar Man, a 10,000-year-old male from Gough’s Cave, had dark skin, blue eyes and sub-Saharan pigmentation genes.
Genetic testing showed he was about 166 cm tall, died in his twenties, and was lactose intolerant.
The discovery overturns the view that pale skin evolved soon after Europeans arrived 45,000 years ago, showing pale eyes preceded skin lightening.

Summary

Researchers Extract DNA

Researchers used Cheddar Man’s petrous bone to extract DNA and applied next-generation shotgun sequencing.
Dr Selina Brace led the DNA recovery, improving yields from the ancient sample.
Kennis & Kennis Reconstructions built a 3-D printed facial model from a skull scan using tissue-depth standards.
Tom contributed recreational DNA test markers that guided phenotype analysis.
Researchers noted Cheddar Man was buried alone while Victorian workers removed many cave artifacts, discarding data.

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Cheddar Man Reveals Dark Skin

Researchers determined Cheddar Man, a 10,000-year-old male from Gough’s Cave, had dark skin, blue eyes and sub-Saharan pigmentation genes.
Genetic testing showed he was about 166 cm tall, died in his twenties, and was lactose intolerant.
The discovery overturns the view that pale skin evolved soon after Europeans arrived 45,000 years ago, showing pale eyes preceded skin lightening.

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