Neanderthals did not go extinct, we assimilated them
A DNA study in Science reveals Neanderthals were assimilated by Homo sapiens, exchanging genetic contributions. Early encounters occurred 200,000 years ago, leading to Neanderthals' assimilation into sapiens genetics, impacting modern humans.
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A recent DNA study reveals that Neanderthals did not go extinct but were assimilated by Homo sapiens. The study, published in Science, shows that Neanderthals were absorbed by sapiens, with genetic contributions flowing both ways. The research indicates that early encounters between the two species occurred around 200,000 years ago, with sapiens contributing up to 10% of their genome to Neanderthals. As time passed, sapiens received genetic contributions from Neanderthals, leading to their assimilation. The study also highlights that Neanderthal populations were smaller than previously estimated, with around 2,500 individuals living in isolated tribes across Europe. The findings shed light on the complex interactions between Neanderthals and sapiens, ultimately resulting in the assimilation of Neanderthals into sapiens genetics. This genetic exchange has left a lasting impact on modern humans, influencing various physiological functions.
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5 commentsSure, there's DNA still around in populations today. But that's true of many, many extinct animals - Mammoth, Auroch, many breeds of dog, even dinosaur.
Neanderthal hands typed this article /s
They were different, so we killed them.
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