American scientists believe that the key factor in human evolution was the mysterious disease, which killed all hominids, except 5000 - 10000, writes the foreign press. The strongest individuals who survived evolved into Homo sapiens.

The bacterium was struck by infants and children, causing symptoms similar to meningitis or sepsis. After the pandemic, specimens of Homo sapiens has multiplied and spread throughout the Earth.

Scientists have found the hominids on two genes more than modern humans, and this made them more vulnerable to diseases. "It is impossible to find out what happened in the process of evolution, but we can say that our ancestors were opposed by a devastating disease, from 100 to 200 000 years ago," said Dr. Ajit Cooking from the University of San Diego.

Still, it was known that 100 000 years ago, evolution took a dramatic turn, but was not sure why. Among the possible reasons considered a genetic mutation, volcanic eruption or just cultural events, such as the appearance of a new language.