Neanderthals vanished around 40,000 years ago, and researchers are still piecing together why. A new study adds fresh insights, suggesting their disappearance might be linked to interbreeding with modern humans. This theory offers a unique perspective compared to the typical ideas of disease or climate change.
Neanderthals appeared in Eurasia about 400,000 years ago and thrived until the arrival of Homo sapiens. Their decline may have coincided with waves of human migration. Four primary theories exist regarding their disappearance. One blames small, isolated communities that struggled with mating and survival. Another attributes their decline to environmental changes. A third suggests that modern humans introduced new diseases and competition, which Neanderthals couldn’t handle.
However, the latest study leans towards the idea that Neanderthals simply mixed with modern humans over time. This blending led to a new population that was mainly human but carried some Neanderthal genes. The researchers built a mathematical model to explore this. They simulated repeated small-scale migrations of Homo sapiens into Neanderthal groups. The results showed that just blending the two populations could replace Neanderthal genes in as little as 10,000 to 30,000 years, without needing any dramatic events.
This model aligns with existing archaeological and genetic evidence. Yet, the authors remind us that this is just one piece of the puzzle. Factors like climate changes and competition likely still played roles. The intertwining of Neanderthal and modern human genetics suggests that they interacted closely for thousands of years.
Interestingly, research shows that around 2% of modern non-African human DNA carries Neanderthal genes, a testament to their lasting impact. Scientists also note that studies from 2021 claim Neanderthals used complex tools and even had social structures, challenging the old view that they were primitive.
Understanding how Neanderthals fit into our evolutionary story can shed light on human resilience. As we look back, it’s clear that mixtures of genes and cultures shape who we are.
For more on the study, check out the full article here: Scientific Reports.
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