Could Neanderthals Still Be Among Us? Groundbreaking Study Challenges Extinction Theory

The mystery surrounding the Neanderthals, our ancient relatives, continues to captivate scientists. Recent research suggests that the story of their disappearance isn’t about extinction in the traditional sense. Instead, they may have gradually blended with early modern humans.

A study in Scientific Reports proposes that Neanderthals didn’t just vanish; they were absorbed through interbreeding. Researchers Andrea Amadei, Giulia Lin, and Simone Fattorini used mathematical modeling to show how small migrations of modern humans into Neanderthal territories led to frequent mixing. This “gene-blending” could explain how Neanderthals almost disappeared over a span of 10,000 to 30,000 years.

The study’s model is based on the concept of neutral species drift, which identifies random genetic changes as a primary cause for many evolutionary shifts. This approach sidesteps other factors that might lead to species decline, like natural disasters or competition.

The researchers found that sustained migration from the larger population of Homo sapiens could account for the Neanderthals’ genetic absorption. This aligns with evidence suggesting that modern Eurasians carry traces of Neanderthal DNA.

Despite the compelling argument for genetic mingling, some questions remain. What specific factors contributed to the Neanderthals’ decline? The authors acknowledge the possibility of other influences but emphasize genetic mixing as crucial.

Interestingly, recent genetic studies show that about 1-2% of the DNA of non-African modern humans comes from Neanderthals, highlighting the historical integration of these two groups. This research provides insights not just into Neanderthals but could also shed light on the fate of other hominins, like the Denisovans, in the prehistoric world.

For more detailed insights, the study “A simple analytical model for Neanderthal disappearance due to genetic dilution by recurrent small-scale immigrations of modern humans” can be accessed here. As our understanding of human history evolves, the narrative of the Neanderthals might be less about disappearance and more about a profound connection with us.

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